The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a blistering rebuke Sunday following claims by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) that federal immigration authorities are “disappearing” U.S. citizens, dismissing the Congresswoman’s allegations as a “ridiculous lie.”
The exchange comes amid rising tensions between the agency and Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. During an anti-ICE protest on Saturday, Omar—accompanied by Reps. Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison—accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of enacting a “brand new policy” under the Trump administration targeting Americans.
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“When people are disappeared in the darkness, American democracy dies,” Omar told reporters. “It is really important for every single person in this country to understand that they are not only disappearing people who have committed crimes, who are in this country undocumented. They are disappearing U.S. citizens.”
The protest took place just days after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good within Omar’s district, an event that has sparked local outrage. Omar further alleged that ICE is detaining individuals with proper documentation for days and deporting people who should have been allowed to stay.
DHS officials wasted little time in responding to the allegations. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin categorically denied that the agency targets U.S. citizens for immigration enforcement.
“ICE does not ‘disappear’ people. This is a ridiculous lie that the media is peddling to demonize ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them,” McLaughlin stated, referencing recent agency statistics regarding violence against agents.
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McLaughlin clarified the agency’s stance on arresting citizens, drawing a sharp distinction between immigration enforcement and criminal obstruction.
“ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens,” McLaughlin said. “If a U.S. citizen is arrested, it is because they have obstructed or assaulted law enforcement.”
The department also pushed back against broader narratives regarding deportations. DHS pointed to previous friction in April 2025, when media reports suggested the administration was deporting the U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants.
At the time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS officials clarified that while undocumented parents were being deported, they were given the choice to have their children accompany them or remain in the U.S., rather than the children being deportation targets themselves.
Omar’s office has not yet provided specific examples or evidence regarding the U.S. citizens she alleges have been “disappeared” by the agency.
“Every day the men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens,” McLaughlin added. “This violence against ICE must end.”
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