Aliya Rahman Traumatic Brain Injury Worsens After Alleged ICE Assault and Capitol Arrest
Feb. 26, 2026 — Washington, D.C. Capitol Police arrested Aliya Rahman, a Minneapolis U.S. citizen living with autism and a pre-existing Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury, during the State of the Union address on Feb. 25, 2026, after she stood silently in protest as Rep. Ilhan Omar’s guest, police said. Rahman was treated at George Washington University Hospital for injuries linked to her Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury and prior assault, then charged with unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress.
Capitol Police stated Rahman refused lawful orders to sit down in the House gallery. Officers were warned of her shoulder injuries from a previous incident, according to reports. Rep. Omar called the response “heavy-handed” and demanded a full investigation into the arrest and the earlier Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury exacerbation.
Prior ICE Assault in Minneapolis
On Jan. 13, 2026, Rahman, en route to her 39th appointment at Hennepin County’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center, encountered a traffic jam from ICE operations. Agents allegedly yelled conflicting orders, shattered her passenger window with glass flying across her face, cut her seatbelt with a combat knife, dragged her out, and carried her face down by cuffed limbs despite pleas of “I’m disabled!” and mentions of her Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury.
“I’m disabled!” at the hands grabbing me. An agent said, “Too late.”
She hit the ground, suffering shooting pain in her head, neck, and wrists, later diagnosed with torn shoulder tendons and cartilage damage. Agents denied medical screening, a cane, wheelchair initially, and accommodations for slurred speech from her Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury, taunting her to “Walk! You can do it.”
Rahman passed out in detention at Whipple Federal Building and received emergency care at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Congressional Testimony
Rahman testified before Congress on Feb. 3, 2026, detailing the assault’s impact on her autism—difficulty processing sounds and instructions—and Aliya Rahman traumatic brain injury from 2024.
Legal Representation and Response
The MacArthur Justice Center announced representation on Jan. 16. Lead counsel Alexa Van Brunt said:
“Ms. Rahman is lucky to be alive… Federal agents… did not de-escalate or stop abusing her.”
Following the Capitol arrest, Rahman stated:
“Every time you try to break my body, you fuel my spirit.” (Minnesota Reformer)
Rep. Omar seeks probes into both incidents amid concerns over enforcement against disabled citizens.
