Republican Texas Rep. Brandon Gill stated Monday on Fox Business that “Republicans are done playing this racist game,” accusing Democrats of using intimidation tactics to suppress opposition to their immigration policies. Gill’s remarks came as he launched a petition to deport Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, alleging that she advised illegal Somali immigrants on how to evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
During an appearance on The Evening Edit, Gill responded to Omar’s defense on CNN, where she argued that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, have constitutional rights. Rejecting her claims, Gill accused her of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens.
“We need leaders in Washington who are going to look out for the American people, for American citizens, not for foreigner illegal aliens,” Gill told host Elizabeth MacDonald. “All of her actions and her comments suggest that she is more interested in advancing the interests of illegal aliens than she is in looking out for American citizens. I believe that that is wrong.”
Omar dismissed Gill’s criticisms, labeling them as xenophobic rhetoric. However, Gill argued that Omar and other Democrats have actively facilitated illegal immigration under the Biden administration’s policies.
“For the past four years, Joe Biden and the Democrats, herself included, have facilitated the invasion of this country by 15 million illegal aliens, and what she is doing now as a sitting member of Congress is teaching illegal alien Somalis how to evade ICE,” Gill said. “We have illegal aliens right now murdering and raping and pillaging our people with virtual impunity, and that is because of lawmakers like her who are facilitating this invasion.”
Before Gill’s petition, Omar was recorded advising Somali immigrants, including undocumented individuals, on avoiding ICE enforcement. According to a video with English subtitles, Omar instructed them: “If ICE attempts to question you, you are not obligated to answer their questions. Just state you were advised by a lawyer not to answer questions. Disclosure of your name, immigration status, and the mode of entry is not mandatory. Learn the laws and prepare yourself and refrain from disclosing information that you would prefer them not to know.”
Gill’s petition signals growing Republican efforts to address illegal immigration and hold lawmakers accountable for policies that they argue encourage lawlessness. The controversy surrounding Omar’s remarks and Gill’s push for her deportation highlights the ongoing battle over immigration enforcement in Congress.
