‘What a Dumba–‘: Ilhan Omar Responds to West Texas Congressman’s Comments

U.S. Representative Brandon Gill, a first-term congressman from West Texas, is facing criticism after calling for Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s deportation back to Somalia. Gill, who represents Texas’s 26th District, made the controversial statement on social media Tuesday, writing, "America would be a better place if [Omar] were deported back to Somalia."

The remark came in response to a series of immigration workshops Omar hosted for Somali-Americans. Gill shared a post that inaccurately claimed the events advised Somali nationals in the U.S. illegally on how to avoid deportation. Omar, in a video from the workshops, advised attendees that they were not obligated to answer questions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and could simply state they had been advised by a lawyer not to respond. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the workshops were targeting illegal immigrants, as the post implied.

Omar, who is a U.S. citizen, responded swiftly, calling Gill’s comments foolish. “How stupid you have to be to be a member of Congress and think your colleague who is a member of Congress can be deported,” she said. “What a dumbass. I’m not a nepo baby. I had to crawl my way into Congress, and I think these idiots who buy their seats have no idea what a privilege it is to be a member of Congress and what it takes.”

Omar, a member of the progressive “Squad,” made history as the first Somali-American and the second Muslim woman to serve in the House of Representatives. She has also been outspoken on issues such as U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and immigration.

Gill, at 30 years old, is the youngest Republican congressman and has aligned himself with President Trump. His rise to political prominence was aided by endorsements from Trump allies, including Senator Ted Cruz. However, his comments about Omar and immigration have sparked significant controversy. While his remarks resonate with some of his conservative base, they have drawn strong rebukes from others who see them as an overstep of both legal and professional boundaries.