Ilhan Omar’s Guest Arrested During State of the Union Address

A guest of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The arrest occurred after the guest, Aliya Rahman, a U.S. Citizen from Minneapolis, allegedly disrupted the proceedings.

Background on Aliya Rahman

Rahman gained attention in January after being forcibly removed from her car by immigration agents while on her way to a medical appointment in Minneapolis The Guardian. She reported sustaining shoulder injuries during the incident. The incident occurred amid increased efforts by the Trump administration to arrest and deport individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.

The Arrest at the State of the Union

According to Capitol Police, Rahman “started demonstrating” during President Trump’s speech, violating rules prohibiting demonstrations within the congressional buildings Newsweek. Police stated she was repeatedly instructed to sit down but refused to comply. She was subsequently arrested for unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress.

Rahman’s Account

Rahman told Democracy Now that she was standing silently when she was arrested, stating, “No buttons, no facial expressions, no gestures, no signs, not one sound.” She explained her action as a response to what she described as “the most racist things” she had heard from a leader regarding the people of her city The Guardian.

Capitol Police Response

A Capitol Police spokesperson maintained that demonstrating is not permitted, regardless of whether it is silent, and that Rahman was explicitly told to sit down but refused The Guardian.

Omar’s Reaction and Call for Investigation

Congresswoman Omar issued a statement calling for a full investigation into the arrest. She stated that Rahman stood silently for a short period, and that the forceful removal and subsequent charges were a concerning overreaction. Omar too noted reports that Rahman was handled aggressively and required medical attention at George Washington University Hospital before being booked at the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters The Guardian.

Additional Tensions During the Address

During his speech, President Trump criticized sanctuary cities and accused them of obstructing the removal of “criminal aliens.” Omar responded by shouting, “You have killed Americans,” referencing the recent deaths of two U.S. Citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Solid, who were fatally shot by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis in January CBS News.

Speech or Debate Clause

Capitol Police clarified that Omar and other lawmakers who protested during the speech were not arrested due to the protections afforded by the speech or debate clause of the Constitution Newsweek.

Rahman’s Condition and Omar’s Statement

Omar stated on CNN that Rahman was “back and safe” following her arrest and hospital visit The Guardian. Prior to the address, Omar explained she invited Rahman to highlight the impact of ICE actions on constituents and to demonstrate the harm caused by the administration’s policies.