A recently surfaced video featuring Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, a member of the progressive ‘Squad,’ has sparked significant controversy on social media this week, with conservatives criticizing her for previous comments regarding the ‘radicalization of White men.’
In 2018, Omar expressed to Al-Jazeera that the nation should be more apprehensive about White men, as they are responsible for a significant number of fatalities in the country. She made this statement while addressing the issue of domestic terrorism threats in the United States and responding to inquiries regarding the level of concern posed by ‘jihadism’ to the nation.
Furthermore, she argued that if fear were to guide policies aimed at ensuring the safety of Americans, there should be a focus on profiling, monitoring, and developing strategies to combat the radicalization of White men. Her comments, which were perceived as racially charged and factually incorrect, were shared by conservative figures such as Laura Loomer and LibsofTikTok, garnering millions of views and provoking backlash from conservatives, including reactions from the White House.
In this nearly eight-year-old video, I reference the increase of white nationalism as highlighted in an annual report from the Anti-Defamation League, which indicated that white supremacists accounted for 78 percent of ‘extremist-related murders,’ Omar stated.
‘Additionally, it would be prudent to research the true meaning of ‘genocidal’ when you are actively endorsing a genocide occurring in Gaza.’ Omar was alluding to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, following a surprise attack by the terrorist organization based in Gaza in October 2023, which resulted in the massacre of over 1,300 individuals and the abduction of more than 200 hostages, many of whom have perished while in captivity.
Furthermore, Omar has faced criticism for her history of anti-Semitism, which has been denounced by Jewish members within her own political party.
In February, first-term Republican Representative Brandon Gill from Texas urged the Trump administration to deport Ilhan Omar to her native Somalia. Gill stated on the X platform, ‘America would be a better place if @IlhanMN were sent back to Somalia.’
His tweet included a video clip of Omar, in which she seems to be instructing fellow Somalis residing in the U.S. — potentially without legal status — on how to evade federal immigration authorities. The video was shared by conservative commentator Greg Price, who remarked, ‘Ilhan Omar is now conducting workshops for Somalis living in the country illegally, advising them on how to avoid deportation.’
One individual expressed, “She embodies anti-American sentiment. Despite pledging allegiance to the United States, her actions have consistently undermined it. She is a deceiver, a liar, and a traitor to this nation!” Another person remarked, “Isn’t this illegal? She should be expelled!” A different user stated, “By advising illegal immigrants on how to evade ICE, she is engaging in federal offenses.
She warrants investigation and prosecution.” Subsequently, Gill commented, “We should never have permitted Ilhan Omar to enter our nation.” A representative for Gill informed The Hill, “Representative Omar’s behavior raises doubts regarding her loyalty—whether it lies with the American populace or with illegal immigrants from Somalia.
Representative Gill merely pointed out that it is shameful for a sitting Congresswoman and U.S. citizen to aid in the invasion of our country by illegal Somali immigrants.” For years, Omar has faced allegations of fraud related to her entry into the United States, although no conclusive evidence has emerged.
