Trump revives attacks on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar amid Somali migrant crackdown

US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, reviving unsubstantiated claims that she married her brother as part of an immigration fraud. Speaking at a public event in Pennsylvania, Trump suggested Omar should "go back and fix her own country" and described her as someone who "does nothing but complain".

The comments came amid a broader tirade against Somali migrants, whom Trump labelled as coming from a "hellhole" ridden with crime and filth. He expressed a preference for immigrants from countries like Norway, echoing similar remarks he made in 2018 about African nations.

Omar, the first Somali-American Muslim woman elected to Congress, represents Minnesota's 5th district, home to a large Somali community. She has repeatedly denied the marriage allegations, calling them baseless and rooted in racism.

Trump's remarks followed reports of widespread welfare fraud in Minnesota involving Somali communities, with claims of billions in stolen funds. He has cited this as justification for stricter immigration measures.

ICE operation targets Twin Cities

A new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge", began in early December in the Minneapolis-St Paul area. It focuses on individuals with final deportation orders, including Somalis, Mexicans and Salvadorans.

As of 9 December, ICE reported at least 12 to 19 arrests, with eight confirmed as Somalis. Officials described the targets as the "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens.

The operation has sparked anxiety within Minnesota's Somali population, which numbers over 100,000. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey condemned it as un-American and fear-mongering.

Trump has linked the crackdown to ending special protections for Somali migrants, directing ICE to prioritise removals following the fraud allegations.

Omar's response and broader backlash

Omar responded by calling Trump a "national embarrassment" and "creepy", urging him to seek help. She defended her patriotism and described his comments as atrocious.

The president's son, Eric Trump, faced similar criticism for echoing the attacks on Somali immigrants.

Supporters of Trump have rallied behind the remarks, with some repeating the marriage claims online.

The episode unfolded between 2 and 9 December, starting with comments during a cabinet meeting and peaking in the Pennsylvania speech focused on economic issues.