Markwayne Mullin calls Ilhan Omar defending ICE agitators ‘joke’ after she invites detainee to SOTU

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Markwayne Mullin unloaded on Rep Ilhan Omar over her decision to invite an ICE detainee to the State of the Union.

Appearing Tuesday on 'Rob Schmitt Tonight', the Oklahoma Republican was asked about Omar bringing Aliya Rahman (who was detained by ICE on January 13) as her guest to the State of the Union.

“Well, it's a joke. Omar is a joke," Mullins said.

Guest list sparks pushback

Omar’s office confirmed Monday that she would attend Tuesday’s State of the Union with four Minnesotans, namely Aliya Rahman, Mary Granlund, Mubashir Hussen, and Gerardo Orozco Guzman.  

Rahman was detained during ICE-related operations in Minnesota earlier this year. 

“Rep Ilhan Omar (D-MN) will take Aliya Rahman, Mary Granlund, Mubashir Hussen, and Gerardo Orozco Guzman as her guests to the State of the Union Address,” a press release stated. “The stories of these four Minnesotans reflect how ICE’s reckless actions in Minnesota through ‘Operation Metro Surge’ have devastated Minnesotans’ safety and economic security.”

Mullin further mocked Omar by tying her to healthcare fraud in Minnesota. “I hope she didn't spend our taxpayer dollars that they embezzled from us to pay for her trip down here,” he said.

Markwayne Mullins calls Ilhan Omar 'absolutely absurd'

Mullin didn't stop there.

“It's absolutely absurd. Omar shouldn't be in Congress," he declared. "I have serious concerns. I wish we would do a real deep dive security check. I believe they will find out that her security clearance should be revoked.”

He returned to the guest controversy and said, “And even the fact that she's trying to defend these people is laughable, but it's also sad. Minnesota is a great state, and it's a beautiful state.” 

The Department of Homeland Security described Rahman’s arrest in more detail. According to DHS, officers were impeded by a crowd during the operation.

“One agitator ignored multiple commands by an officer to move her vehicle away from the scene, and she was arrested for obstruction. Another agitator assaulted an officer by jumping on his back. Six of these agitators were taken into custody for assaulting law enforcement," they said.

For Mullin, Omar’s politics are out of step with the nation.

“It's sad that they got a congressman elected like that,” he said, adding that “she doesn't represent what's great in America.”