Several Democratic lawmakers reportedly invited guests to the State of the Union who drew the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including illegal immigrants, DREAMers, and citizens previously detained for allegedly obstructing federal immigration officers, Fox News reports.
A tweet from DHS earlier Tuesday alleged that some Democrats were “planning to bring illegal aliens as guests to the State of the Union.” When Fox News inquired about the message, the department shared a list of attendees. The agency’s post added, “Once again, they are putting illegal aliens above the safety of American citizens. Yesterday alone our officers arrested pedophiles, rapists, and violent criminals from our communities.” The agency also noted that President Trump and Secretary Noem have been explicitly clear in their message that “if you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will never return.”
A review conducted by Fox News Digital showed a diverse range of invited guests. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who authored the original DREAM Act, had welcomed Tereza Lee — a pianist and daughter of Korean immigrants — whose story inspired his legislation. Durbin introduced the most recent version of the bill in 2025 with Sen. Lisa Murkowski as co-sponsor. In a statement posted prior to the address, Durbin credited Lee’s bravery for inspiring the bill and criticized what he described as President Trump’s “ongoing hostility toward immigrants.” DHS noted that the DREAM Act would provide a path to lawful residency for certain noncitizens brought to the U.S. as children.
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota had brought two guests. One, Aliya Rahman, was previously detained after federal agents targeted Ecuadorian national Jonathan Chachipanta-Pualacin on January 13. According to DHS, officers arrested Rahman and three others while executing a warrant in Minneapolis. The agency described how a crowd interfered with the operation, leading to Rahman’s arrest on obstruction charges after she refused to move her vehicle. DHS also denied claims that Rahman was denied medical care during detention. Omar also invited Mary Granlund, a local school board chairwoman who organized faculty patrols and volunteer networks to aid detained families and provide legal and food assistance. DHS responded that ICE operations never take place inside schools and focus on apprehending child predators.
Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois invited Marimar Martinez, who, according to DHS, participated in an October ambush against federal agents and was branded a “domestic terrorist.” DHS alleged Martinez was armed and had a history of publishing federal agents’ personal information online before sustaining injuries in a shootout and later being taken into FBI custody. In response, Garcia told Fox News that Martinez was nearly killed by her own government and called DHS’s account “a smear campaign.” He said, “Her courage stands in stark contrast to the cowardice and brutality of DHS and this lawless administration.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, also from Illinois, had chosen as his guest Jamie, a university student whose father was detained during Operation Midway Blitz. The congressman argued that immigration crackdowns had “terrorized families and left Americans dead,” adding that President Trump could not “rewrite his record.”
Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts invited Marcelo Gomes da Silva, who DHS said was detained in 2024 after being stopped in his father’s car. Officials stated that Gomes da Silva’s student visa had expired, and that he remained subject to removal proceedings. “He is still an illegal alien and subject to removal proceedings,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration law.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York hosted a Venezuelan immigrant whose son, Dylan Josue Lopez Contreras, had been detained in Pennsylvania following an immigration court hearing in May 2025. DHS claimed Contreras had entered the United States illegally a year earlier and had since been placed in expedited removal proceedings. The agency said the Biden administration had wrongly allowed such individuals into the country with notices to appear before immigration judges, while ICE was now enforcing existing law.
All the dems who brought illegal aliens with them to the State of the Union should all be jailed for aiding and abetting criminals and kicked out of congress.