Rep. Ilhan Omar is pushing for federal immigration enforcement funding to be redirected to communities impacted by recent operations.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, the Minnesota Democrat discussed her "Make ICE Pay Act," the impact of immigration enforcement in her district and the political threats she has faced.
Omar introduced the legislation following Operation Metro Surge, a sweeping federal immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. The bill would rescind nearly $140 billion in funding for federal immigration enforcement agencies and redirect money toward communities affected by enforcement operations.
Omar described the impact on immigrant communities in her district, including Somali, Hispanic and Hmong residents. She said fear surrounding the operation kept some residents away from schools and workplaces and hurt local businesses.
She argued that communities should be compensated for the economic harm caused by federal enforcement operations, including providing relief to small businesses.
Omar also reflected on threats and political violence directed at her. On Thursday (September 17), the man who sprayed Omar with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water during a January town hall was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Omar wasn't injured in the attack and continued the town hall after the man was arrested.
During the conversation, Omar also discussed her work at ALC and the Africa Braintrust panel, "Our Africa, Our Future," highlighting developments in technology, healthcare and artificial intelligence across the continent and opportunities to strengthen connections between Africa and its diaspora.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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