Former DHS Lawyer Julie Le Challenges Rep. Ilhan Omar's Seat

Le plans to run as a Democrat in the primary, citing a desire for more moderate policies.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:19pm

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Julie T. Le, a former lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security who was fired after criticizing her job representing ICE, has announced she will challenge Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., for her congressional seat. Le plans to run as a Democrat in the primary, citing a desire to bring more moderate policies on issues like immigration reform and college financial aid.

Why it matters

This race could test the political dynamics in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, which has trended progressive in recent years under Omar's leadership. Le's background as a former DHS lawyer who was critical of the agency's tactics could resonate with some voters, but she will also have to overcome Omar's strong name recognition and progressive base of support.

The details

Le, 47, made headlines in February after a judge admonished her and a colleague for ICE's failure to release some detainees. Le joked that she wished the judge would find her in contempt and put her in jail so she could get some sleep. She was fired from her DHS job shortly after. Le said she took the job to prosecute undocumented and criminal immigrants because "That's the law," but became concerned that her own family could be arrested for their skin color. She plans to focus her campaign on issues like immigration reform, college financial aid, arts funding in schools, and healthcare access.

  • Le announced her candidacy on March 12, 2026.
  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

The players

Julie T. Le

A 47-year-old lawyer who was previously fired from her job at the Department of Homeland Security after criticizing her role in representing ICE. She is now challenging Rep. Ilhan Omar for her congressional seat.

Rep. Ilhan Omar

The incumbent Democratic representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district, who has held the seat since 2019.

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What they’re saying

“It's not because she's not doing the job. It's just for what I could bring to the table.”

— Julie T. Le (The Washington Post)

“The system sucks. This job sucks. And I am trying every breath that I have so that I can get you what you need.”

— Julie T. Le, Former DHS Lawyer (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election in Minnesota's 5th congressional district is scheduled for August 11, 2026, where Le will challenge incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar.

The takeaway

This race could test the political dynamics in Minnesota's 5th district, with a former DHS lawyer who was critical of the agency's tactics challenging a progressive incumbent. Le's background and policy platform could resonate with some voters, but she will have to overcome Omar's strong name recognition and base of support.