Representative Ilhan Omar Invites Voters Affected by ICE Raids to the State of the Union Address
Representative Ilhan Omar has announced that she has invited four voters from Minnesota to join her at President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address. This move aims to highlight the profound impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations on local communities in recent times.
Stories Behind the Special Guests
Among the guests is Ms. Aliya Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American software engineer, who experienced being pulled over by law enforcement while on her way to a medical appointment. The guest list also includes Mary Granlund, Chair of the Columbia Heights School Board, Mubashir Hussen, and the son of labor rights activist Eustaquio Orozco Verdusco.
Omar, a member of the progressive group of lawmakers often referred to as "The Squad," affirmed that even though the operation named Operation Metro Surge has officially concluded, communities in Minnesota are still heavily affected. The congresswoman stated that her guests would share stories about the psychological and social impact that the raids have had on local families.
Government Response and Campaign Context
Previously, the Trump administration's "border czar," Tom Homan, announced the conclusion of the two-month intensified immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota, calling it a successful operation. He stated that some federal personnel would maintain a short-term presence to ensure law enforcement activities remained stable.
This operation was initially launched after a large-scale welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which brought national attention to the Somali community in the Twin Cities area. As the first and only Somali-American congresswoman in the U.S. Congress, Ilhan Omar continues to use her position to advocate for the rights and voice of immigrant communities in the United States.
