Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar told constituents that conversations within the Democratic Party now include abolishing ICE and considering how to dismantle the Department of Homeland Security.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) stated during a Wednesday town hall that discussions among Democrats have expanded beyond abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to include dismantling the Department of Homeland Security.
Speaking to attendees, Omar said, “What I will say is that there is an easier conversation happening today than six, seven years ago when I got to Congress, about what we need to do with ICE, which is to abolish it.”
Video of the remarks circulated online and was included in a clip shared on social media.
Omar continued, “There is a lot of conversation about what the dismantlement of the Department of Homeland Security should look like.”
Her comments come amid renewed political debate over federal immigration enforcement operations. ICE was established in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security. While enforcement actions have occurred under multiple administrations, immigration policy and agency authority have remained contentious topics in Congress.
Omar’s remarks follow statements from other Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz. Last month, Walz, who lost the 2024 election to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, said he would consider activating the Minnesota National Guard in response to federal enforcement activity and warned that additional cities could face similar operations.
“To Americans who are watching this, if you’re in Portland or you’re in L.A., or you’re in Chicago, or you’re wherever, they’re coming next,” Walz said, before urging people to “stand with us against this.”
Federal immigration enforcement and the structure of the Department of Homeland Security continue to be central points of policy debate as lawmakers weigh the scope and authority of federal agencies.
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