Ilhan Omar opposes DHS funding, calls to impeach Kristi Noem and dismantle ICE 'bare minimum'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: On Thursday, January 29, Rep. Ilhan Omar held a press conference at Karmel Mall in Minneapolis, addressing heightened ICE activity and controversial federal tactics in the state.

The event unfolded after the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti by federal authorities during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident has sparked nationwide protests against ICE and renewed calls to end the Trump administration’s 'Operation Metro Surge.'

Ilhan Omar calls DHS opposition and ICE accountability the ‘bare minimum'

During her remarks, Omar criticized federal immigration enforcement, saying the administration’s agenda “is not about law enforcement. It is about making people feel they do not belong, regardless of their citizen status or the law.”

She emphasized that Minnesotans would not be intimidated, noting that “in the face of violence, Minnesotans have organized, protected one another, and showed love instead of fear.”

Omar condemned the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, stating they “were murdered for their willingness to stand up and protect their neighbors.” 

She stressed that no immigration enforcement agent “should ever be allowed to act as a judge, jury, and executioner on our streets” and called for “real accountability.” Omar specifically cited “voting no on the DHS funding bill, backing the resolution to impeach Kristi Noem, and holding law‑breaking ICE agents legally accountable” as essential steps. She concluded with a strong demand, “We must abolish ICE. This moment demands it.” 

Ilhan Omar attacked amid protests over Alex Pretti shooting

The press conference occurred a day after 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak rushed the podium, squirting an unidentified liquid at Omar before being restrained by security. He was arrested and held at Hennepin County Jail on charges of third-degree assault.

Unfazed, Omar referenced her survival of the Somali Civil War, saying, “I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me, because I’m built that way.” President Donald Trump responded by accusing Omar of staging the attack, calling her a “fraud” and claiming, “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.” 

Federal agents placed on leave, Tom Homan visits Minnesota

Law enforcement officials confirmed that two federal agents involved in Pretti’s death have been placed on administrative leave, standard protocol during ongoing investigations.

Tom Homan, former acting ICE director, arrived in the Twin Cities on Wednesday to oversee immigration enforcement following the departure of Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino. Homan posted on X, “Today I met with Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and top law enforcement officials to discuss the issues on the ground in Minnesota. We all agree that we need to support our law enforcement officers and get criminals off the streets.”

He added that discussions focused on addressing local challenges and supporting public safety initiatives. Omar, in office since 2019, has frequently been criticized by Trump, who has also taken aim at Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.