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Dear Friend,
This week has been tough for a lot of people in our community. The Trump administration's policies are targeting Somalis in Minnesota and across the country, trying to end Temporary Protected Status and sending ICE agents into our neighborhoods. The policies that sent ICE into Minnesota is meant to scare people and make immigrants feel like they do not belong here. It is painful to see that the president's policies are focused on punishing and blaming people who are simply trying to work, raise their kids, and be part of their community. But the truth is that Somalis are part of the fabric of this state. We are business owners, working professionals, parents, students, and neighbors. We help build our economy and make Minnesota a better, more vibrant place to live. Minnesota is our home, and we are not going anywhere.
If you face an encounter with ICE please know your rights. On my website, you'll find a 'Know Your Rights' page with guidelines and rights afforded to you under our Constitution.
People in our community have dealt with hate and discrimination before, and they have responded with an incredible amount of strength. My job in Congress is to stand with them and push back against these policies rooted in fear. Here’s my op-ed in the New York Times on Trump’s dehumanizing policies.
Protect MN Hemp Small Businesses
 As co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus, I stood with many of you to raise the alarm about a last-minute federal provision that threatens the future of Minnesota’s hemp industry. Lawmakers in Washington slipped in language in the recent government funding bill that could wipe out 90 to 95 percent of hemp drinks, gummies, and other consumables. Minnesota built one of the most responsible systems in the country but now this one-size-fits-all federal ban punishes states like ours that followed the rules, while doing nothing to stop unregulated or bad actors elsewhere. It puts thousands of jobs at risk and tells small businesses that their hemp products will be illegal within a year. We need a sensible federal framework that sets strong safety standards without destroying an industry that states like Minnesota worked so hard to build. I will continue fighting alongside you to roll back this harmful provision and protect small businesses, workers, and consumers. Watch here.
Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Minneapolis American Indian Center
I was incredibly proud to honor the Minneapolis American Indian Center on the House floor this week as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. For five decades, the Center has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and support for Native families in Minnesota. It stands as a powerful example of strength in the Native community and a reminder of the important role Native-led institutions play in advancing justice. I’m grateful to celebrate this milestone and the generations of work that made it possible. Watch here.
November Tele-Town Hall
Thank you to the nearly 16,000 Minnesotans who joined our November tele-town hall. Your questions, stories, and feedback help shape the work I do in Congress every day. I promised to hold a town hall every month, and even when votes keep us in Washington, we still make it happen. I’m grateful to represent Minnesota’s 5th District, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to engage with us. Listen here.
Speaking out against E-Verify Mandate
 After a 43 day government shutdown, working people were hoping Congress would return ready to address the affordability crisis. Instead, House Republicans have proposed a policy that would mandate E-Verify, a 20-year-old employment system that has already proven ineffective and unpopular. The system often produces errors that deny qualified, legal workers job opportunities. Mandating it nationwide would only create more red tape for people who are just trying to work and support their families. I made it clear in committee that working people are asking for living wages and affordable healthcare. Congress should be addressing those urgent needs, not wasting time on broken systems. Watch here.
Protecting Workers from Wage Theft
 As soon as the government reopened, I took part in a bill markup of the “Ensuring Workers Get PAID Act,” a bill that would actually make it easier for employers who steal wages to avoid real consequences. It lets businesses “self-audit” wage theft, quietly pay back the bare minimum, and avoid penalties all while undercutting honest employers and draining already limited enforcement resources. That’s why I introduced an amendment to replace this bill with the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, which strengthens penalties and ensures workers get every dollar they’re owed. Workers deserve real protections, not a system that gives wage thieves a free pass. Watch here.
In Solidarity,
Ilhan Omar
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