September 25, 2025
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DHS Official Rebukes Omar Over ICE ‘Bait’ Post

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sharply rebuked Rep. Ilhan Omar for reposting a social-media claim that ICE agents used a 5‑year‑old as “bait,” calling it “a vile lie,” while Telemundo‑obtained video showed the child sitting by a law‑enforcement SUV in Leominster and police later recovered the girl and detained Edwards Hip Mejia. NBC has deleted a prior post and issued a correction, but Omar has not amended or removed her X post and did not respond to requests for comment, as DHS warns of a surge in attacks on ICE amid recent violence including a deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE field office.

Politics Crime Public Safety

📰 Sources (2)

Omar silent on anti-ICE post despite NBC backtracking on viral social media narrative
Fox News September 25, 2025
New information:
  • Rep. Ilhan Omar has not deleted or amended her X post criticizing ICE despite NBC deleting a prior post and issuing a correction.
  • Fox News reports Omar did not respond to requests for comment and her post remained live as of Thursday morning.
  • The article republishes DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin's rebuke and summarizes the agency's account disputing NBC’s original characterization.
‘Vile lie’: Trump official drills Squad member for anti-ICE post as attacks increase
Fox News September 24, 2025
New information:
  • DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called Rep. Ilhan Omar’s repost 'a vile lie' and said 'ICE agents NEVER used a 5‑year‑old girl as ‘bait.’'
  • A Telemundo‑obtained video shows a 5‑year‑old girl sitting by a law‑enforcement SUV in Leominster, Massachusetts; local police recovered the child and Edwards Hip Mejia was detained two days later.
  • A gunman identified by sources as Joshua Jahn, 29, opened fire at a Dallas ICE field office, killing one detainee and critically wounding another before reportedly taking his own life; DHS cited a 1000% increase in assaults against ICE.