Omar Confronts ICE Funding and Personal Allegations Amid Minneapolis Turmoil
WASHINGTON, 28 January 2026 – US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is at the centre of a fierce political storm, advocating for the abolition of a key federal agency while simultaneously defending herself against a barrage of personal allegations from the highest levels of government. The conflict is fuelled by deadly immigration enforcement operations in her Minneapolis district and a concerted campaign questioning her rapid financial growth.
ICE Under Fire After Fatal Minneapolis Shootings
The political battle intensified this month following two high-profile shootings in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents. On 7 January, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers shot and killed Renee Good, a mother of three, in her vehicle. Weeks later, on 24 January, a Border Patrol agent killed Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti.
Representative Omar, the Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued a searing statement, calling Good’s death “an execution by immigration enforcement.” She has since been a leading voice demanding the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whom she accuses of losing control of a “rogue agency.”
“Voting NO on the DHS funding bill is the bare minimum,” Omar stated on social media. “Backing Kristi Noem’s impeachment is the bare minimum… ICE is beyond reform. Abolish it.” Her position puts her at odds with a House Appropriations bill proposing A$42 billion in annual funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Trump and GOP Lawmakers Launch Financial, Citizenship Probes
As Omar campaigns against ICE, she faces a separate offensive from President Donald Trump and Republican allies. In a series of Truth Social posts, President Trump claimed the Department of Justice and Congress are “looking at” Omar, alleging she is now “worth more than 44 Million Dollars” after arriving from Somalia with nothing.
“Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is worth over $30 Million Dollars,” Trump wrote in another post. “There is no way such wealth could have been accumulated, legally, while being paid the salary of a politician.” He has called for her to be investigated for “Financial and Political Crimes” and has previously suggested she be jailed or “sent back to Somalia.”
These claims are supported by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who has confirmed an investigation into Omar and her husband Tim Mynett’s finances, citing a dramatic spike in their disclosed assets. Separately, Representatives Randy Fine (R-FL) and Andy Ogles (R-TN) have called for a Justice Department probe into Omar’s citizenship.
Omar’s Rebuttal and the Political Backdrop
Omar has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated conspiracy theories. “Sorry, Trump, your support is collapsing and you’re panicking,” she responded on X. “Right on cue, you’re deflecting from your failures with lies and conspiracy theories about me. Years of ‘investigations’ have found nothing.”
Financial disclosures show the increase in her household’s net worth is largely attributed to her spouse’s partnership income from a venture capital firm and a winery, reported in broad ranges as per congressional rules. Omar has denied being a millionaire, calling such claims a “coordinated right-wing disinformation campaign.”
This clash occurs amidst ongoing protests in Minneapolis against ICE operations and follows a significant past political defeat for Omar. In the previous Congress, the Republican-majority House voted to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing past controversial statements for which she has apologised.
Key Facts and Allegations
| Issue | Central Claim / Action |
|---|---|
| ICE Funding & Operations | Rep. Omar opposes A$42 billion funding bill, calls to abolish ICE, and demands DHS Secretary Noem’s impeachment after two fatal shootings in her district. |
| Financial Allegations | President Trump and House Oversight allege Omar’s wealth grew to ~A$66 million (US$44m). An investigation is underway, though Omar attributes it to spouse’s assets. |
| Citizenship Challenge | GOP Reps. Fine and Ogles call for DOJ to investigate Omar’s naturalisation, suggesting some seek citizenship to “destroy” the country. |
| Omar’s Defence | Labels allegations as deflective lies and disinformation, stating past investigations found no wrongdoing. Focus remains on ICE accountability. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ilhan Omar accused of?
Republican figures, led by President Trump, accuse Omar of accumulating tens of millions of dollars through potentially illicit means while in office. Others have questioned the validity of her US citizenship. These are allegations, not proven facts.
What is Omar’s response to the wealth allegations?
Omar states the increase in her household’s net worth is due to her husband’s business interests in a venture capital firm and winery, as disclosed in legally required filings. She denies any wrongdoing and calls the claims a political smear.
Why does Omar want to abolish ICE?
Following the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Omar has characterised ICE as a “rogue agency” that terrorises communities. She believes it is beyond reform and should be replaced.
Was Ilhan Omar removed from a committee?
Yes. In a previous session of Congress, the Republican-majority House voted to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing past statements about Israel that were criticised as antisemitic.