Rep. Ilhan Omar Invites Constituents 'Traumatized' by Minnesota ICE Raids to State of the Union 2026

The congresswoman aims to spotlight the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions in her home state.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Rep. Ilhan Omar has invited four guests from Minnesota to attend President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, including a Bangladeshi-American software engineer who was allegedly detained by ICE agents. Omar says the guests will share stories of how ICE's 'terrorization' of the community continues, despite the end of the administration's 'Operation Metro Surge' immigration enforcement surge in the state.

Why it matters

The move by Rep. Omar is seen as an effort to draw national attention to the impact of federal immigration enforcement actions in her home state of Minnesota, which has a large immigrant population. The ICE raids and 'Operation Metro Surge' have been controversial, with critics accusing the administration of unfairly targeting minority communities.

The details

Among the guests invited by Rep. Omar is Aliya Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American software engineer who says she was dragged from her vehicle by ICE agents while driving to a doctor's appointment on January 13. Omar has also invited the Chair of the Columbia Heights School Board, Mary Granlund, as well as 20-year-old Mubashir Hussen, the son of workers' rights organizer Eustaquio Orozco Verdusco.

  • The 'Operation Metro Surge' immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota ended earlier this month.
  • President Trump will deliver the 2026 State of the Union address.

The players

Rep. Ilhan Omar

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's 5th congressional district. She is the first and only Somali-American in Congress.

Aliya Rahman

A Bangladeshi-American software engineer who says she was detained by ICE agents while driving to a doctor's appointment.

Mary Granlund

The Chair of the Columbia Heights School Board in Minnesota.

Mubashir Hussen

A 20-year-old whose father, Eustaquio Orozco Verdusco, is a workers' rights organizer.

Tom Homan

The Trump administration's border czar, who announced the end of the 'Operation Metro Surge' immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We won't let the nation forget the terror Donald Trump unleashed on Minnesota.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative (X)

“Operation Metro Surge' may have ended, but ICE's terrorization of our community continues.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative (X)

What’s next

President Trump will deliver the 2026 State of the Union address, where Rep. Omar's invited guests will have the opportunity to share their stories.

The takeaway

This move by Rep. Omar highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in communities with large immigrant populations. The State of the Union address will provide a national platform for these constituents to share their experiences and perspectives on the impact of these policies.