Ilhan Omar Brings ICE Detainees’ Stories to State of the Union

As President Trump prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term, Minnesota’s congressional delegation is bringing a diverse group of guests to Washington D.C., each with a compelling story to tell. Representative Ilhan Omar is focusing on the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions within Minnesota, specifically through ‘Operation Metro Surge’.

Highlighting the Human Cost of ICE Actions

Omar is bringing four individuals who she believes exemplify the devastating consequences of ICE’s operations on the safety and economic security of Minnesotans. These guests represent a stark contrast to other attendees, such as conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley invited by Representative Pete Stauber, whose video made unsubstantiated claims of fraud against Somali-owned daycares, prompting a large-scale federal response.

The Guests and Their Stories

• Aliya Rahman: Rahman’s story gained viral attention after she was forcibly removed from her car and detained by federal agents while on her way to a doctor’s appointment. She bravely testified before lawmakers on Capitol Hill, detailing the lasting physical and emotional impact of the encounter, including her inability to fully use her arms. She also described the “horrific” conditions at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.
• Mary Granlund: As chair of the Columbia Heights Public School Board, Granlund represents the impact on families. Her district gained national attention when 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father were detained by federal agents near Valley View Elementary School.
• Mubashir Hussen: A 20-year-old U.S. citizen, Hussen alleges he was violently detained during his lunch break in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. He is part of a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of racial profiling and unlawful arrests.
• Gerardo Orozco Guzman: Guzman works with an organization fighting against ICE’s detention of construction workers. His own father was detained in January and remains held at Cibola County Correctional Center in New Mexico.

Other Minnesota Guests and Responses

Beyond Omar’s guests, other Minnesota representatives are bringing individuals representing different perspectives. Colin Hortman, son of slain Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, will attend with Rep. Kelly Morrison, alongside his mother Alina Bachman Hortman. Representative Stauber is bringing Nick Shirley, the YouTuber whose video sparked the ICE surge.

Representative Smith is boycotting the address, instead joining Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis at the National Mall for a “People’s State of the Union,” highlighting the impact of federal actions on local communities.

The Larger Context

The selection of these guests underscores the deep political divisions and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy. The focus on ICE’s actions in Minnesota, brought to the forefront by Ilhan Omar, serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of these policies. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump’s address.

Source: CBS News