Texas GOP Rep. Brandon Gill has publicly called for the deportation of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), arguing that the U.S. would be better off without her.
“America would be a better place if @IlhanMN were deported back to Somalia,” Gill stated on the social media platform X.
Gill’s statement was accompanied by a video in which Omar appeared to instruct Somali immigrants—some potentially undocumented—on how to handle encounters with federal immigration officials. The video was initially shared by conservative commentator Greg Price, who claimed, “Ilhan Omar is now hosting workshops for Somalians living in the country illegally to advise them on how to avoid being deported.”
Many users on X supported Gill’s stance.
“She’s as anti-American as they come. She swore an oath to the United States but has consistently acted against it. She’s a fraud, a liar, and a traitor to this country!” one user wrote.
Another user questioned the legality of Omar’s actions, stating, “Isn’t this illegal? Expel her!”
A different commenter accused Omar of breaking federal laws, saying, “She is committing federal crimes by instructing illegal immigrants on how to evade ICE. She should be investigated and prosecuted.”
Following the backlash, Gill reinforced his position, writing, “We should have never let Ilhan Omar into our country.”
A spokesperson for Gill later elaborated on his position in a statement to The Hill. “Representative Omar’s actions raise serious concerns about her loyalties—whether they lie with the American people or with undocumented Somali immigrants. Representative Gill simply expressed that it is disgraceful for a sitting Congresswoman and U.S. citizen to assist illegal immigrants in avoiding deportation.”
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In the controversial video, Omar provided guidance to Somali individuals who may be undocumented or have uncertain legal status. She advised, “You are not obligated to answer their questions. Simply state that you have been advised by a lawyer not to respond. You are not required to disclose your name, immigration status, or how you entered the country. Educate yourself on the laws, be prepared, and avoid sharing information you do not wish to disclose.”
The video sparked widespread discussion, with critics arguing that Omar was actively undermining U.S. immigration laws by instructing undocumented individuals on how to avoid compliance with federal authorities. Supporters, however, defended her comments, saying she was merely informing individuals of their legal rights when dealing with law enforcement.
When asked about Gill’s remarks during an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, Omar dismissed them outright.
“These people are just ridiculous,” Omar responded.
Hasan pressed further, highlighting the severity of Gill’s comments.
“You and I have discussed the attacks against you in the past, but now you have a freshman Republican lawmaker openly calling for the deportation of an American citizen, a sitting U.S. Representative. How do you react to that?” Hasan asked.
Omar criticized the statements as a sign of political decline, stating, “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to have an intellectual discussion with these people. The level of ignorance they display on a daily basis is embarrassing—not just for Congress, but for the country as a whole.”
She continued, “The fact that individuals can publicly make such absurd and unfounded statements without consequence speaks to how much critical thinking has deteriorated in the United States. Otherwise, how would we be in a position where another Trump presidency is even possible?”
The exchange highlights the growing polarization in American politics, particularly on issues of immigration and national identity. While Gill’s comments reflect the hardline stance on immigration held by many within the Republican Party, Omar’s statements align with progressive views that emphasize legal protections for undocumented individuals.
As political divisions continue to deepen, debates over immigration policies and national loyalty are likely to remain central to upcoming elections. Whether Gill’s remarks will have any long-term political consequences or merely contribute to the ongoing partisan rhetoric remains to be seen.