Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), a naturalized U.S. citizen and the first Somali-American in Congress, faces renewed calls for her deportation to Somalia amid escalating political tensions. The controversy, amplified in early 2025, stems from accusations that Omar prioritizes her native country’s interests over America’s. Texas Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) launched a fundraising petition in February, urging supporters to demand her arrest and removal, claiming she hosts workshops teaching undocumented Somalis how to evade ICE. “America would be a much better place if she were sent back to Somalia,” Gill stated, alleging her loyalty lies with “illegal Somalians” rather than U.S. citizens.
Omar, who arrived as a refugee in 1995 and became a citizen in 2000, vehemently denied the charges, calling them “racist and fascist” tactics straight from Donald Trump’s playbook. Her defenders, including Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), condemned the rhetoric as Islamophobic, noting Omar’s consistent advocacy for immigrant rights and U.S. foreign policy reform. Legal experts affirm deportation is impossible for a naturalized citizen absent denaturalization for fraud, a process requiring proof of material misrepresentation during citizenship application—a high bar unmet here.
The push echoes past attacks, like 2024 claims of mistranslated speeches where Omar allegedly prioritized Somalia, which she dismissed as distortions. Republicans, including Florida AG James Uthmeier, have echoed the calls, tying them to broader immigration crackdowns under Trump. Supporters argue her criticism of Israel and workshops undermine national security, while critics see it as xenophobic harassment targeting her Muslim identity.
As petitions circulate and threats mount, the debate highlights America’s polarized discourse on loyalty, immigration, and representation. Whether these calls gain traction remains unlikely, but they underscore deep divisions in Congress.
