Representative Ilhan Omar drew national criticism after using profanity to describe the United States while condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations during a Democratic field hearing in Minnesota. The remarks were delivered in St. Paul and quickly circulated online, prompting backlash from conservatives and renewed debate over rhetoric, patriotism, and immigration enforcement.
The comments were made Friday at a hearing titled “Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Deadly Assault on Minnesota.” While criticizing ICE activity, Omar compared the United States to authoritarian countries she said she had escaped. During her remarks, she stated, “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. god—- States.” She continued by saying, “We should all be ashamed that it is the United States that is allowing for this to take place, and it is being broadcast to the rest of the world” .
Omar also claimed that people abroad have contacted her questioning whether such actions are truly happening in America. She said the enforcement actions were causing international embarrassment and argued that the country’s reputation was being damaged by ICE operations conducted under President Trump’s immigration policies.
The hearing focused on increased ICE enforcement in Minnesota, particularly in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Democratic lawmakers characterized the operations as aggressive and harmful to immigrant communities. Omar accused Republican officials of tolerating what she described as an “occupation that is terrorizing people in Minnesota,” alleging that residents are being stopped at checkpoints and forced to prove their citizenship repeatedly .
Republicans and ICE officials disputed those claims. ICE has maintained that its operations are targeted, lawful, and focused on individuals in violation of federal immigration law, including those involved in fraud and other criminal activity. Supporters of enforcement argue that federal authorities are acting because state and local leaders have failed to uphold immigration laws.
Omar’s language drew swift condemnation from conservative leaders. Senator Mike Lee of Utah criticized the remarks publicly, questioning whether referring to the United States in such terms was appropriate for a sitting member of Congress. Conservative commentators argued the statement reflected a broader pattern of hostility toward American institutions and values.
President Trump has repeatedly defended ICE and border enforcement, emphasizing that national sovereignty and public safety require consistent enforcement of federal law. Administration officials have rejected accusations that ICE targets lawful citizens, stating that safeguards and due process are built into operations.
The incident has intensified debate over the tone used by elected officials when discussing the nation itself. For many conservative Americans, the use of profanity to describe the United States represents a serious breach of civic respect, raising questions about leadership, accountability, and allegiance at a time of heightened political division.
