Interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar on 'Face the Nation' – January 11, 2026

MARGARET BRENNAN: We're now pleased to be joined by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who is the representative for a major part of this city. It's great to have you with us.

REP. ILHAN OMAR: Thank you, I actually represent the entire city. Appreciate being here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for coming. The current administration under Trump claims that journalists are deceiving the public. You’ve heard the recent reports. Renee Macklin Good and her partner, identified as demonstrators, were driving through Minneapolis documenting ICE officers' actions. The local police chief noted Macklin obstructed the road with her car. President Trump labeled her partner as a paid disruptor and called the act terrorism. With such tension and official examination, would you advise Americans to avoid demonstrating like she did due to potential danger?

REP. OMAR: I believe it is crucial for citizens to document these events to ensure transparency and accountability. In Minneapolis, we see ICE officers often emerging from unmarked cars, sometimes masked, rushing towards vehicles, and pulling individuals out—many of whom are citizens or have legal documentation. Given DHS's history of misinformation on these matters, it’s vital that witnesses capture these incidents on record each time they occur.

MARGARET BRENNAN: From the footage you’re referring to, do you think Macklin Good acted improperly? Officials claim her actions amounted to terrorism as she allegedly blocked the road.

REP. OMAR: Renee Nicole Good appears calm and peaceful in her recordings. She is shown seated in her vehicle, directing cars to pass while an ICE agent approaches her car aggressively, trying to open her door. She turns her wheel in panic, and another officer moves towards her moving car, an action not expected from someone with significant service experience. It is unacceptable for figures like Kristi Noem and the President to make such charges without a comprehensive investigation. We need proof that she was financially motivated or that her actions were more than what she claims, which the videos don’t display. Releasing labels like domestic terrorist without backing evidence only misleads.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve stressed the importance of accountability and public documentation. Just to clarify, do you mean only recording like Macklin was doing, especially since authorities claim harassment against their officials?

REP. OMAR: Documenting law enforcement activities is a right for citizens–

MARGARET BRENNAN: Note, some officers have suffered from violence as well.

REP. OMAR: Similarly, residents in Minneapolis have experienced violence.

MARGARET BRENNAN: There is immense pressure on your state currently. The Treasury Secretary labeled Minnesota as central to potentially the largest welfare fraud scandal, implicating 85 of 98 individuals as Somali. The treasury is investigating whether funds were sent out of the country, potentially changing standards for money transfers linked to public assistance. What impact does this have locally?

REP. OMAR: This situation mainly breeds fear, confusion, and intimidation among communities regarding their routine activities. Most allegations, including the 87 individuals you mentioned, were processed under Biden's administration. This sudden law enforcement surge lacks justification given ICE’s capability to conduct controlled raids, yet they continue creating a climate of terror here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The administration states they are intervening because of state-level failures–

REP. OMAR: State and federal bodies have cooperated effectively, resolving those cases you mentioned. This surge hasn’t resulted in new criminal charges yet.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They’ve also decided to reduce food stamps for Minnesota, citing embezzlement concerns. Are you confident that fraudulent activity has ceased?

REP. OMAR: Fraud investigation is an ongoing process in Minnesota and federally since Biden’s term. Halting program funding without solid proof is only a show of rhetoric, detrimental to our state and constituents, sowing needless chaos.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yet some in the administration, alongside conservative voices, suggest this fraud continues. A viral conservative video accused daycare centers of exploiting public funds–

[CROSSTALK]

REP. OMAR: It should be noted, these businesses were not operational during the alleged incidents.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Indeed, CBS even investigated–

REP. OMAR: –yes, underscoring the unnecessary disorder where serious governance is needed.

MARGARET BRENNAN: While no conclusive fraud evidence was found in the CBS inquiry, Governor Walz has decided not to seek reelection amid this controversy.

REP. OMAR: This choice allows him to prioritize defending state integrity over political ambitions.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you think accountability for oversight lapses has been realized sufficiently? Can this be resolved?

REP. OMAR: Our aim is collaboration with the administration to eradicate any fraud without inciting fear or confusion. The present approach is counterproductive.

[END CROSSTALK]

MARGARET BRENNAN: Briefly, the Chair of the Oversight Committee suggested referring you to the Ethics Committee.

REP. OMAR: I’ve faced numerous such referrals, nearly 100. Let them proceed.

MARGARET BRENNAN: He mentions scrutiny of your husband’s financial interests, suggesting links to equity funds and implying your involvement in this welfare controversy. Your response?

REP. OMAR: Since entering Congress, I’ve been subject to various investigations yielding no wrongdoing, given my candidness and compliance in documentation.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for joining us, Congresswoman Omar. We'll return shortly on Face The Nation. Stay tuned.