Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren has intensified the ongoing immigration debate by labeling Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar as “the perfect poster child for why we need a closed border.” Lahren made her remarks during an episode of The Big Weekend Show on March 3, 2024, following a clip of Omar speaking against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions at a field hearing in St. Paul. Omar, who emigrated from Somalia and became a U.S. citizen at the age of 17, expressed concern over the aggressive immigration policies in the United States.
“The one place where we thought we would never experience this is the U.S.,” Omar stated during her address. Lahren reacted strongly, asserting that Omar exemplifies the dangers of immigration from “third-world countries” and criticized her for lacking respect for U.S. laws and the officials who enforce them.
Continuing her criticism, Lahren referenced California Representative Eric Swalwell, who had proposed stripping ICE agents of their driver’s licenses if he were to become governor. She accused the Democratic Party of prioritizing illegal immigrants over law enforcement, stating, “Democrats are always on the side of the illegal aliens.”
Omar’s comments have not only drawn ire from Lahren but have also sparked outrage among conservative circles. Following the release of the clip on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), far-right activist Laura Loomer called for Omar’s deportation. Additionally, Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed his disapproval, which led to Elon Musk suggesting Omar should be tried for treason.
The tension surrounding Omar is further fueled by recent events in Minnesota, including the controversial killing of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three who was shot by an ICE agent. Protests against the federal crackdown have erupted in Minneapolis, with Mayor Jacob Frey demanding the removal of federal agents from the city.
In response to the growing unrest, former President Donald Trump has deployed 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota as part of his administration’s stricter immigration enforcement. This move has led to significant backlash, with Governor Tim Walz placing the National Guard on standby and calling for a cessation of operations in the city.
“We will not be intimidated by the actions of this federal government,” Frey stated during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union. He characterized the federal presence in Minneapolis as “under siege” and dismissed the Department of Justice’s investigation into local officials as “ridiculous.”
Omar has consistently faced criticism from conservative figures, notably after her comments last June regarding an ICE operation in Los Angeles. She described her experiences growing up under a dictatorship and criticized the U.S. for what she perceives as a decline in democratic values.
As tensions rise in Minnesota over immigration policies and law enforcement actions, the political discourse surrounding figures like Lahren and Omar continues to polarize opinions on immigration and national security.
