U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., brushed off the idea of deportation in a video clip that circulated widely over the weekend, saying she’s not concerned and could “go live wherever” she wants.
The comments were made during an appearance on The Dean Obeidallah Show, where Omar laughed when discussing Republican calls to revoke her citizenship.
“I have no worry. I don’t know how they take away my citizenship and like deport me,” Omar said in the interview. “I don’t even know why that is such a scary threat. Like I’m not the 8-year-old who escaped war anymore. I’m grown. My kids are grown. Like I can go live wherever I want if I wanted to.”
Ilhan Omar says she doesn't care if she gets deported: "I am grown, I can live wherever" pic.twitter.com/0pANq8hIlk
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 9, 2025
The clip was reposted on X by the account End Wokeness, drawing more than 1 million views.
Ties to recent censure attempt
Her remarks come weeks after Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., called for Omar to be deported amid a failed Republican attempt to censure her.
President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Omar, writing on Truth Social earlier this month: “She should go back!” in response to comments Omar made at a Somali community event, where she said, “Somalia is our home. It is our heart.”
During a press conference in September, Trump said he asked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud if he would “like to take” Omar back but claimed Mohamud declined.
Omar, who came to the United States as a refugee in 1995 and became a citizen in 2000, has long faced scrutiny over her family history, including allegations that she married her brother to help him enter the U.S. — a claim she has denied.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
