Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized federal immigration enforcement at a St. Paul field hearing, saying she never expected to see treatment in the United States similar to what she fled in Somalia and calling the nation the "U.S. god---- states." She described the large federal presence in Minneapolis and St. Paul as an "occupation," cited the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent, and condemned checkpoints and detentions she says are terrorizing communities. Her remarks drew sharp criticism from conservative figures including Sen. Mike Lee and Elon Musk, and came as reports indicate roughly 3,000 federal agents are in the Twin Cities and up to 1,500 troops were discussed for possible deployment.
Ilhan Omar Calls U.S. the 'U.S. God---- States' While Criticizing ICE Operations in Minnesota
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks to the media following a field hearing at the Minnesota Senate Building in St. Paul on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.(Getty Images)
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) delivered a forceful rebuke of federal immigration enforcement Friday during a Democratic field hearing in St. Paul, saying she never expected to see in the United States the kinds of treatment she fled in Somalia. In a censored expletive, she referred to America as the "U.S. god---- states" as she described what she called an "occupation" of Minneapolis and St. Paul by federal agents.
Key Remarks
Speaking at a hearing titled "Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump's Deadly Assault on Minnesota," Omar said many in her district feel terrorized by the presence and tactics of immigration authorities. She said the conduct is being broadcast internationally and leaves people abroad asking, "Are you sure this is America?"
"I don't want to curse, but those of us who escaped places like that, the one place where we thought we would never experience this is the U.S. [sic] god---- states," Omar said. "We should all be ashamed that it is the United States that is allowing for this to take place."
Context And Local Impact
Omar — who was born in Somalia and represents a district that includes much of Minneapolis — tied her criticism to recent federal actions in the Twin Cities. Local leaders and residents have reported the presence of roughly 3,000 federal personnel deployed after a large fraud investigation in the state. Media reports also said the administration discussed preparing up to 1,500 National Guard troops for potential deployment to Minnesota and considered invoking the Insurrection Act, although the president appeared to step back from that option.
Sen. Mike Lee arrives for a vote in the U.S. Capitol on July 23, 2025.
Omar referenced the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent as a flash point and described what she called heavy-handed ICE tactics, including checkpoints and detentions, that critics argue have intimidated immigrant communities and threatened civil liberties.
Responses And Political Fallout
Conservative figures quickly condemned Omar's language. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that no member of Congress should refer to the country in that way and asked what the proper consequence should be. Elon Musk replied to Lee on the platform, commenting, "Whatever the penalty is for treason." Fox News Digital reported reaching out to both Omar's and Lee's offices for comment.
Broader Debate
The exchange underscores growing national tension over the scope and methods of immigration enforcement: advocates of stronger ICE operations argue the agency is addressing illegal activity and fraud, while critics say its tactics infringe on rights and endanger communities, including U.S. citizens. Omar's remarks reflect long-simmering disputes between local officials, immigrant communities and federal authorities over enforcement priorities and civil liberties.
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