Tomi Lahren, a prominent personality on Fox News, has publicly criticized Representative Ilhan Omar, labeling her as “the perfect poster child for why we need a closed border.” During her appearance on The Big Weekend Show on Sunday, Lahren responded to Omar’s recent comments regarding U.S. immigration policies, particularly the actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota, made headlines earlier when she condemned ICE’s immigration crackdown during a field hearing in St. Paul on March 15, 2024. “The one place where we thought we would never experience this is the U.S.,” she stated, expressing her concern over the increasing militarization of immigration enforcement in the country.
Lahren’s reaction was swift and pointed. She remarked, “I actually have to thank Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because she has served as the perfect poster child for why we need a closed border and why we need to stop importing people from third-world countries who have no respect for this country, no respect for our laws and those who enforce them.” This comment reflects a broader sentiment among some conservative circles regarding immigration policies and the perceived challenges they pose to national security.
The discussion surrounding Omar’s comments has sparked significant backlash among conservative commentators and politicians. Notably, California Representative Eric Swalwell has also faced scrutiny for his recent remarks about ICE, vowing to strip the agency’s agents of their driver’s licenses if elected as governor. Lahren criticized Swalwell, asserting that Democrats prioritize the rights of undocumented immigrants over those enforcing immigration laws.
Omar’s comments have not only drawn ire from Lahren but have also been condemned by other conservative figures. Activist Laura Loomer took to social media, calling for Omar’s deportation, while Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed outrage, leading to a controversial suggestion from Elon Musk regarding potential treason charges against Omar. Disgraced former Congressman George Santos joined the fray, asserting that Omar has “no love or allegiance to the United States” and labeling her as “the enemy within.”
The tensions surrounding Omar have intensified following the recent tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. The incident has prompted a wave of protests against federal immigration enforcement in the area. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly demanded that federal agents “get the f*** out” of the city, declaring it “under siege.”
In response to these escalating tensions, President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to restore order, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has placed the National Guard on standby. The Department of Justice announced an investigation into Frey and Walz for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement operations. Frey responded during an interview on CNN, stating, “We will not be intimidated by the actions of this federal government,” and denouncing the investigation as “ridiculous.”
The ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States continues to elicit strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum, underscoring the complexities and challenges surrounding this contentious issue. As lawmakers and officials navigate these turbulent waters, the discussions surrounding figures like Ilhan Omar illustrate the deep divisions that exist in American politics today.
