DHS Responds to Omar’s Claims About ICE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement on Sunday dismissing Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar’s assertion that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is “disappearing American citizens” as a “ridiculous lie.”

Omar, alongside fellow Minnesota Democratic representatives Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison, participated in protests against ICE, accusing the agency of “disappearing” individuals, including U.S. citizens, during the Trump administration. She also described this as a “totally new policy that has never been done before.”

During a rally, Omar stated, “American democracy disappears when people disappear in the dark. It’s crucial for every citizen to understand that it’s not just those who have committed crimes or undocumented immigrants who are missing; it’s American citizens as well.” This comment followed the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in her district.

In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated to the Daily Caller News Foundation that “ICE does not ‘disappear’ people.” She emphasized that this narrative is a misleading portrayal intended to demonize ICE, which is reportedly facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against its agents. “ICE does not arrest or deport American citizens,” McLaughlin affirmed. She explained that when an American citizen is taken into custody, it is typically due to obstructing or assaulting law enforcement. “The men and women of ICE risk their lives daily to protect American citizens. This violence against ICE needs to stop,” she added.

Omar’s office did not provide clarity when asked about her definition of “disappeared” or specific examples she was referencing regarding ICE’s actions under Trump.

During her protests, Omar asserted that ICE “disappears people who have proper documentation.” She mentioned cases where individuals were told their documentation was incorrect and held for days. “We’ve also seen people deported even though they had the right documentation, yet they haven’t been allowed to return to the U.S.,” she continued, insisting this practice should not be happening in a nation that values liberty.

Previously, DHS had rejected claims made on April 30, 2025, about ICE deporting U.S. citizens, labeling them as false. The agency pointed out that the media inaccurately reported on instances of ICE deporting children of undocumented U.S. citizens, explaining that the decisions to return to Honduras were made by the mothers.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the portrayal of Trump administration policies concerning the deportation of American children as “misleading.” He reiterated, “If someone is in this country illegally, that person will be deported,” and explained the complexities regarding children caught in these situations.