Democrats invited ICE guests to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that several lawmakers selected individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or facing removal proceedings.
DHS sharply criticized the move. “Once again, they are putting illegal aliens above the safety of American citizens. Yesterday alone our officers arrested pedophiles, rapists, and violent criminals from our communities,” the agency posted. The statement added, “President Trump and Secretary Noem have made it abundantly clear: if you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will never return.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar is hosting Aliya Rahman, who was detained during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. DHS stated, “ICE executed an arrest warrant to arrest an illegal alien with a final order of removal in the Park Avenue area of Minneapolis. ICE officers apprehended four illegal aliens.” The agency said Rahman was arrested for obstruction after ignoring commands from officers.
Rep. Jesus Garcia invited Marimar Martinez, whom DHS labeled a “domestic terrorist” following an October incident involving federal agents. Garcia responded, “I invited Marimar Martinez to be my guest to the State of the Union because her own government almost murdered her and is now covering it up by smearing her.”
Other Democrats, including Sen. Richard Durbin and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, invited individuals tied to DREAM Act advocacy and expedited removal cases. DHS defended enforcement actions, stating, “ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been.”
The guest list underscores a widening divide over immigration enforcement as President Trump outlines his second-term agenda.
