A viral video of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar advising Somali immigrants on their rights during ICE encounters has drawn sharp rebukes from Elon Musk and Republican lawmakers, fueling a heated debate over immigration policy amid Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation campaign.
Musk’s Allegation: “She Is Breaking the Law”
Elon Musk ignited the controversy by sharing a clip on X (formerly Twitter) of Omar stating, “If ICE questions you, you are not obligated to answer.” The billionaire accused her of “literally breaking the law,” claiming her guidance encourages non-compliance.
In the video, Omar, a Somali-American Democrat, urges undocumented individuals to withhold personal details like immigration status and entry method, emphasizing legal rights to remain silent.
Omar’s Defense: “Know Your Rights”
Omar fired back, asserting her advice was lawful: “Every person deserves to know their rights.” She accused Musk of sharing a “manipulated” video and criticized his own legal troubles, referencing past allegations of data misuse at X.
Texas GOP Rep. Brandon Gill escalated tensions, tweeting, “America would be better if Omar were deported to Somalia.” Omar, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2000, called the remarks “xenophobic,” noting her refugee journey from Somalia in 1995.
Trump’s Deportation Surge: 6,000 Removals in 15 Days
The clash unfolds as Trump’s administration accelerates ICE operations, deporting nearly 6,000 migrants in his first two weeks—averaging 370–400 daily. On Monday alone, 512 were deported, including 73% with criminal records or pending charges for offenses like homicide and child sexual abuse.
Six Tren de Aragua cartel affiliates and nine gang members were among those arrested, with some flown to Guantanamo Bay. A senior Trump official vowed, “This is just the beginning.”
Legal Experts Weigh In: Is Omar’s Advice Lawful?
Immigration attorneys confirm Omar’s guidance aligns with constitutional rights. “Silence during ICE interactions isn’t illegal,” said ACLU attorney Andrea Flores. “Misinformation about these rights puts vulnerable communities at risk.”
Critics, however, argue such advice undermines enforcement. “It’s a slap to legal immigrants,” said GOP strategist Mark Harris.
Omar’s trajectory—from fleeing civil war in Somalia to becoming a U.S. citizen at 17 and a congresswoman in 2019—has made her a polarizing figure. Her advocacy for progressive immigration reforms often clashes with GOP rhetoric.
The Musk-Omar feud reflects broader tensions as Trump’s deportation machine revs up. While Democrats push for rights-based reforms, Republicans demand stricter enforcement. With Omar vowing, “I won’t stop fighting,” and Trump pledging more raids, the battle over immigration’s soul intensifies.
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