A political dispute involving Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota intensified this week after Rep. Randy Fine of Florida said he supports former President Donald Trump’s call for stronger action against the Democratic congresswoman. The remarks, made during a televised interview, come amid renewed debate over immigration policy, federal oversight of public assistance programs, and allegations of misconduct that Omar has repeatedly denied.
The controversy unfolded following Trump’s comments at a political rally in North Carolina, where he referenced ongoing investigations into alleged fraud involving federal aid programs in Minnesota. The former president also repeated claims he has made in the past regarding Omar’s personal history—claims that have been widely disputed and have not resulted in criminal charges.
Fine, speaking Sunday on Newsmax’s Sunday Agenda, said he believes the situation involving Omar highlights what he described as systemic problems in U.S. immigration enforcement and accountability. His statements immediately drew attention due to their unusually aggressive framing and the broader political implications surrounding them.
Statements Spark Renewed Political Debate
During his appearance on Newsmax, Fine drew a distinction between disciplinary action within Congress and broader immigration enforcement measures. While emphasizing that he does not believe Omar should be removed from her congressional seat through internal House procedures, he said he supports exploring other legal avenues related to her immigration status.
“I don’t think Ilhan Omar should be expelled from Congress,” Fine said during the interview. “I think she should be expelled from the United States, and that’s something that I’m working on.”
Fine did not present new evidence during the interview, nor did he specify what legal mechanisms he believes could be used. His comments were framed as part of a broader effort, he said, to address what he views as weaknesses in the nation’s immigration system.
Omar, a naturalized U.S. citizen who arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia during the 1990s, has consistently denied wrongdoing and has previously described similar accusations as politically motivated.
Trump’s Rally Comments and Fraud Allegations
The renewed attention on Omar follows remarks Trump made Friday at a rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. During the speech, Trump referenced an investigation into alleged fraud involving federal aid programs in Minnesota, suggesting that the total amount under scrutiny could reach billions of dollars.
According to Trump, the investigation centers on misuse of funds intended for public assistance initiatives, including programs designed to support low-income families and children. Federal authorities have confirmed that multiple investigations are ongoing, though the exact scope and financial totals remain contested.
Minnesota officials, including Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, have acknowledged isolated cases of fraud but have disputed claims that the scale reaches into the billions. Walz has said the state is cooperating with federal investigators and has pledged to recover funds where wrongdoing is proven.
Trump, however, accused Minnesota’s leadership of failing to prevent abuse of the system and suggested that Omar bears some responsibility, citing her outspoken criticism of immigration enforcement and federal agencies.
Fine Criticizes Minnesota Leadership
Fine echoed Trump’s criticism of Minnesota’s state government, arguing that oversight failures allowed alleged fraud to persist over several years. He pointed to audits and investigations that, according to him, indicate systemic problems rather than isolated incidents.
“That’s a bunch of garbage,” Fine said in response to Walz’s assertion that there is no evidence supporting claims of $9 billion in fraud. “He’s been governor for almost eight years. This happened under his watch.”
Fine added that he believes similar issues could exist in other states with Democratic leadership, suggesting that Minnesota may not be an isolated case. However, he did not cite specific examples outside of the ongoing investigations already reported by federal agencies.
State officials in Minnesota have emphasized that fraud investigations are complex and ongoing, cautioning against drawing conclusions before legal proceedings are completed.
Immigration Policy and Legislative Proposals
Beyond his comments about Omar, Fine said he is pursuing legislation aimed at limiting access to public assistance programs. According to Fine, taxpayer-funded benefits should be reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens.
“That’s why I filed a bill to end all welfare to all noncitizens, both legal and illegal,” Fine said, adding that he believes the measure would help prevent future abuse of federal programs.
Immigration policy experts note that current federal law already restricts many benefits for noncitizens, with eligibility varying based on immigration status, length of residency, and specific programs. Any proposed changes would likely face legal challenges and intense debate in Congress.
Advocacy groups have criticized similar proposals in the past, arguing that such restrictions could harm vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers who are lawfully present in the United States.
DHS Review and Public Statements
The political dispute gained further attention earlier this month after Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and now serving as a senior border enforcement adviser under Trump, said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reviewing past allegations related to Omar’s immigration history.
In an interview with Newsmax, Homan said DHS is examining whether immigration laws were violated during Omar’s entry into the United States or during her path to citizenship. He emphasized that the review involves examining records and visa documentation.
“We’re pulling the records, we’re pulling the files,” Homan said. “We’re looking at it.”
DHS has not announced any formal findings or charges related to Omar. Legal experts note that reopening immigration cases from decades earlier is rare and typically requires substantial new evidence.
Omar’s congressional biography states that she arrived in the U.S. with her family after fleeing civil war in Somalia, later becoming a U.S. citizen and entering public service.
Allegations and Omar’s Response
Trump has repeatedly accused Omar of entering into a fraudulent marriage, a claim he reiterated in a recent interview with Politico. Omar has denied the allegation, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with it.
Legal analysts caution that repeating unproven accusations can blur the line between political rhetoric and factual reporting. Omar has previously described the claims as part of a long-running smear campaign and has said they are rooted in misinformation.
“These allegations have been debunked,” Omar said in earlier statements, adding that they have been used to distract from policy debates and inflame political tensions.
Broader Context: ICE Operations and Federal Investigations
The renewed focus on Omar coincides with recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis targeting individuals without legal status. These actions followed federal investigations into alleged misuse of welfare funds, some of which prosecutors say may have been diverted to criminal networks.
Federal authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing and that any connections to extremist groups are being carefully examined. However, officials have cautioned against making broad generalizations about entire communities.
Community leaders in Minnesota have urged restraint, warning that heated rhetoric could unfairly stigmatize Somali Americans, many of whom are law-abiding citizens and longtime residents.
Political Reactions and Legal Considerations
The dispute has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Some Republican lawmakers have voiced support for increased scrutiny of federal programs and immigration enforcement, while Democrats have criticized what they describe as inflammatory rhetoric and politically motivated investigations.
Constitutional scholars note that expelling a U.S. citizen from the country is not legally permissible under current law, and that citizenship can only be revoked under specific circumstances involving proven fraud or misrepresentation during the naturalization process.
“Any action affecting citizenship requires due process,” said one immigration law professor. “Political statements alone are not sufficient.”
Ongoing Developments
As investigations continue, federal and state officials have emphasized that conclusions should be based on evidence and legal findings rather than political commentary. No charges have been announced against Omar, and she continues to serve in Congress.
The situation underscores ongoing divisions over immigration policy, government oversight, and political accountability, issues that are likely to remain central in upcoming election cycles.
For now, the controversy remains largely rhetorical, with legal experts stressing that any substantive action would require extensive review, judicial oversight, and adherence to constitutional protections.
Looking ahead, analysts say the debate surrounding Rep. Omar reflects a broader trend in American politics, where immigration enforcement, welfare oversight, and national security concerns increasingly intersect with partisan messaging. These issues have become focal points for political mobilization, particularly as lawmakers position themselves ahead of future elections.
Policy experts emphasize that allegations involving public officials must be evaluated through established legal processes rather than political commentary. Investigations into fraud or immigration violations, they note, can take years to resolve and often involve complex financial records, immigration histories, and jurisdictional challenges.
Meanwhile, Minnesota officials have reiterated their commitment to cooperating fully with federal authorities. State agencies have expanded auditing procedures and implemented additional safeguards aimed at preventing misuse of public funds, regardless of the outcome of current investigations.
Rep. Omar has continued to focus publicly on legislative priorities, including housing affordability, healthcare access, and civil rights protections. In recent statements, she has maintained that accusations against her are unfounded and distract from substantive policy discussions affecting constituents.
As federal reviews proceed and political rhetoric continues, observers say the situation serves as a reminder of the tension between accountability and due process. Ultimately, any legal determinations will depend on verified evidence and judicial review rather than campaign-stage declarations or televised debate.