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Dear Friend,
These last few weeks have made one thing clear – Congress must abolish ICE. This rogue agency has terrorized our communities for far too long, with emboldened agents acting as judge, jury, and executioner on our streets. Families are scared to leave their homes to get groceries, kids are missing school, folks are afraid to go into work. The increasingly horrifying violence ICE is wreaking on Minnesotans has no place in our state, or anywhere in our country. Their reckless and unchecked cruelty has led to the second killing of a U.S. citizen in our state, VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti. My heart breaks for Alex’s family and loved ones, who will forever have to live with the loss and pain that has come from this state-sanctioned violence.
What is unfolding in our state is not accidental—it is part of a coordinated effort to target Black, Brown, immigrant, and Muslim communities through fear, racial profiling, and intimidation. This administration’s policy agenda is not about law enforcement; it is making people feel they do not belong, regardless of their citizenship or the law. Our communities deserve safety and justice. They should not be afraid of their own government. And no federal agent should kill a civilian and walk away without full accountability.
We must do everything in our power to hold ICE accountable. For my colleagues in the House and Senate, that means refusing to send ICE more money by voting no on the DHS funding bill. It means we must take immediate action to impeach Kristi Noem. We must hold law-breaking ICE agents legally accountable. All of these actions are the bare minimum.
In the midst of the chaos and terror of this federal occupation, I have been overwhelmed seeing the immense love and support pouring out of communities as our neighbors stand up for one another. Minnesotans are taking to the streets in protest, exercising their First Amendment rights. Churches and community organizations are stepping up to donate food, clothing, and necessities to families who are scared to leave their homes. Small businesses, many of which are already facing hardship, are extending their support to neighbors in need. This kind of love and community is exactly what makes our state so strong. As I always say – Minnesota may be cold, but our hearts are warm.
Hosting My January Town Hall in North Minneapolis
I hosted my first town hall meeting of the year in North Minneapolis, where I heard directly from community members about the ways ICE and federal immigration enforcement are continuing to brutalize our communities, acting without regard for Minnesota’s immigration status. You may have heard there was an individual who attacked me at this event. I am okay. The attack was nothing more than an attempt to spread fear and intimidate me and my constituents. It will not work. I look forward to seeing you at my next town hall.
During my town hall, I reminded community members that my office operates as your liaison to the federal government. We can be a crucial line of advocacy for my constituents who are experiencing issues with the federal government like irregularities, delays, and emergencies. Though congressional casework involving ICE is unique and narrow, my office can help with locating an individual detained by ICE if they are not appearing in the detainee locator system within 48 hours, inquiring on urgent medical issues to ensure an individual is receiving appropriate medical treatment, and ensuring an individual’s attorney and loved ones are able to communicate with them. If you have questions or need help, please contact my district office at 612-333-1272.
Visiting Centro Tyrone Guzman
It was a joy to have Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley join me for a few days here in Minnesota. Together, we kicked off her visit to our North Star State with a visit to Centro Tyrone Guzman, Minnesota’s longest standing Latino-serving organization. We learned about the work they are doing to support Minnesota’s Latino and immigrant community, especially as they continue to endure brutal aggression from ICE.
Speaking with Small Business Owners at Midtown Global Market
Congresswoman Pressley and I stopped by Midtown Global Market to meet with the Neighborhood Development Center, Friends of the Global Market, Lake Street Council, and small business owners to hear firsthand the challenges they’re facing during ICE’s occupation of our state. The owners are seeing a significant decline in business since DHS’s Operation Metro Surge began.
Hosting a Press Conference at Karmel Mall on ICE’s Occupation of Minnesota
I hosted a press conference with Congresswoman Pressley, Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, Minnesota State Representatives Aisha Gomez and Anquam Mahamoud, and Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai to highlight how our communities are suffering as a result of ICE’s operations in our city. Karmel Mall, which holds over 100 small businesses, including many incredible Somali-owned businesses, is usually bustling with business every day of the week. Now, its hallways are nearly empty. The effects of this federal occupation are indefensible. ICE must leave our state immediately.
Thanking the Volunteers at the Church of Dios Habla Hoy
The Church of Dios Habla Hoy in Minneapolis has worked to feed over 14,000 families who don't feel safe leaving their homes. They are working to feed ten thousand more. This is exactly the kind of love that makes our state so strong. Rep. Pressley and I stopped by to learn more about their volunteer operation and thank the church coordinators and volunteers for their incredible service.
Meeting with Community Leaders to Hear Directly How ICE is Unconstitutionally Assaulting Legal Protestors
I sat down with Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, Georgia Fort, and other community leaders to hear directly how ICE has been assaulting lawful protestors in Minnesota. The right to speak out, organize, and peacefully assemble is protected in our Constitution’s First Amendment. The brutal treatment of nonviolent protesters must end now.
Speaking Against Funding ICE on the House Floor
Last week, the House shamefully passed a DHS funding bill that would give ICE billions of dollars to continue their assault on immigrant communities in Minnesota and across our country. I voted NO. ICE is killing citizens, ripping apart families, and terrorizing entire communities. It’s unconscionable to send a single dollar to the rogue agency. After the vote, I spoke on the House floor to urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote against any funding package that includes an additional budget for ICE.
Congratulating MN05's 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition intended for students in grades 6 through 12, encouraging them to create innovative apps that address real issues in our communities. I’m proud to announce that our 2025 winner is Ved Bastodkar, a sophomore at the Blake School in Minneapolis, for his app “BreadHead.” Ved’s app is a youth-centered personal finance app built to challenge the culture of instant gratification through reflection and accountability.
Know Your Rights When Facing Immigration Enforcement
The right to due process is a cornerstone of our legal system. It doesn’t matter what your immigration status is — you have rights under our Constitution, and you should know what they are in the event that it becomes necessary. Make sure you are prepared. Make a family plan, contact a lawyer in advance, and memorize at least one emergency phone number. Below you can find a link to the Know Your Rights page on our website.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This page is for general informational purposes only. Its contents are not legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice, please contact an attorney.
In Solidarity,
Ilhan Omar
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