Rep. Ilhan Omar’s invited guest disrupted President Trump’s State of the Union address and got arrested—highlighting the left’s endless excuses amid America’s fight against welfare fraud and border chaos.
Disruption During Trump’s Address
U.S. Capitol Police arrested Aliya Rahman, 43, from Minneapolis, around 10:07 p.m. ET on February 24, 2026, during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech. Rahman, guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), stood silently in the House gallery after Trump highlighted fraud in Minnesota’s Somali community. Officers instructed her multiple times to sit down. She refused, violating gallery rules that prohibit any demonstrations. Tickets explicitly warn guests of these restrictions. Multiple disruptions occurred that night, but Rahman alone faced arrest after defying direct orders.
Rahman’s Background and Prior ICE Encounter
Rahman, a software engineer and U.S. citizen, suffers from autism, traumatic brain injury, and shoulder issues including a torn rotator cuff. In January 2026, ICE detained her during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, smashing her car window and removing her en route to a doctor’s appointment. The operation, led by Border Czar Tom Homan, targeted social services fraud estimated in hundreds of millions, far below Trump’s $19 billion figure but justifying federal action. Violent anti-ICE protests marked the effort, which ended early February after local cooperation improved. Omar invited Rahman and three others to symbolize alleged ICE mistreatment.
Omar’s Response and Police Account
Omar’s office claimed officers handled Rahman aggressively despite shoulder injury warnings, leading to treatment at George Washington University Hospital before booking. Rahman was released around 4 a.m. February 25, facing charges of unlawful conduct and disrupting Congress, punishable by up to six months in prison and $500 fine. Capitol Police stated she refused to obey orders after standing, confirming the arrest for demonstrating. Omar called it a heavy-handed response sending a chilling message to democracy. Her attorney labeled it blatant abuse for a silent stand. Trump later posted on Truth Social disparaging Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Context of Minnesota Fraud Crackdown
Trump’s speech referenced Somali “pirates” pillaging Minnesota, tying to the fraud crisis prompting Operation Metro Surge and a White House pause on $259 million in Medicaid funds. This protects American taxpayers from globalist-enabled abuse under past lax policies. Omar yelled back about federal agent shootings of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The incident underscores tensions between Trump’s enforcement agenda and progressive Democrats shielding fraud. Rep. Al Green was removed for a sign, but not arrested, showing Rahman’s case stemmed from refusal to comply. Disputes persist on force used, with left-leaning sources claiming overreach against a vulnerable protester while right-leaning outlets emphasize rule enforcement.
WATCH: Ilhan Omar’s SOTU Guest Was Arrested During Trump’s Speech and Claims She Had to Be Hospitalized Because of ‘Aggressive’ Handling https://t.co/bmlhF86N8P
— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) February 26, 2026
Implications for Law and Order
Rahman’s arrest reinforces Capitol decorum amid rising disruptions from the left frustrated by Trump’s victories on immigration and fiscal responsibility. Short-term, it fuels partisan battles and a potential legal fight over charges and force claims. Long-term, it may set precedents for SOTU protests and guest policies, while amplifying debates on disability rights versus public order. Minnesota’s Somali community faces stereotyping claims, but fraud crackdowns safeguard conservative values of accountability and limited government spending. Omar’s constituents remain divided on these operations. Core facts align across sources, though “aggressiveness” views differ.
Sources:
Ilhan Omar’s State of the Union Guest Arrested by U.S. Capitol Police During Trump’s Speech
Squad member claims State of the Union guest arrested
Minneapolis Woman Detained by ICE Arrested at Trump State of the Union
Squad Member Claims State of the Union Guest Was Arrested