Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has faced significant backlash after calling for the deportation of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Somalia. Gill’s comments were made in response to a video clip in which Omar advised Somali immigrants on their rights during interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. He accused her of aiding undocumented immigrants and questioned her loyalty to the United States. Omar, who became a U.S. citizen in 2000 after fleeing civil war in Somalia, has consistently defended her actions as efforts to inform and protect her constituents .

In addition to his public remarks, Gill initiated a petition titled “Petition: Deport Ilhan Omar,” which he circulated to his supporters. The petition alleges that Omar is more loyal to undocumented immigrants than to the United States. This move has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who condemned the petition as an attempt to use threats against a U.S. citizen to generate funds .

Omar has responded to these attacks by labeling them as racist and fascist, emphasizing her status as a naturalized citizen and her commitment to serving all her constituents, regardless of their immigration status. She has also criticized Gill’s actions as pandering to a base that thrives on xenophobia and racism .

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. politics regarding immigration policy and the treatment of naturalized citizens. While Gill’s comments have been widely condemned by Democrats, they have also sparked a broader debate about the rights of immigrants and the responsibilities of elected officials to their diverse communities.