Ilhan Omar introduces bill to redirect $140 billion from ICE

Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has introduced the ‘Make ICE Pay Act,’ a legislative proposal aimed at redirecting nearly $140 billion from federal immigration enforcement agencies to states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. The bill targets funding currently allocated to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Omar stated the legislation is a response to federal enforcement operations, such as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minnesota, which she claims have caused significant economic and social damage to local communities. The proposed funds would be distributed to jurisdictions in California, Minnesota, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon that were affected by various named federal operations.

Separately, Omar has faced intense political criticism from Minnesota Republicans following remarks in which she described the country as being ‘led by idiots.’ The controversy arose after she addressed calls for her impeachment and deportation, asserting that as an American citizen, she cannot be deported. The debate has sparked online disagreement regarding the legality of denaturalization and the nature of her leadership criticisms.