Ex-ICE Attorney Announces Run Against Ilhan Omar

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Julie T. Le, a former attorney with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, has announced a run for Congress, challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Le rose to public attention in early February when she made remarks in federal court during immigration proceedings, expressing frustration with the system and saying "This job sucks." She was removed from the Minnesota detail by federal authorities following the incident.

Why it matters

Le's decision to run for Congress comes after her controversial comments in court, which highlighted the challenges and frustrations faced by government immigration attorneys. Her campaign is seen as a potential challenge to Omar's hold on the heavily Democratic 5th Congressional District in Minnesota.

The details

Le, a former assistant chief counsel at the Department of Homeland Security and a graduate of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, is running as a Democrat. She has said her priorities include comprehensive immigration reform, expanded financial aid for college students, increased funding for arts and music programs in public schools, and broader access to health care. Le is running in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, a Democratic stronghold that includes Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs.

• In early February, Le made remarks in federal court during immigration proceedings, expressing frustration with the system and saying "This job sucks."
• Following the incident, Le was removed from the Minnesota detail by federal authorities.
• Le's campaign launch is scheduled for March 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwoods Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

What’s next

Le's campaign launch is scheduled for March 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northwoods Park in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.