Feds Probe Rep. Ilhan Omar's Citizenship Ahead of Minneapolis Election

Representative Ilhan Omar faces a general election next week in Minneapolis while federal agents continue a criminal investigation into her immigration history. The probe, which includes a search of her home in Washington, D.C., has raised legal questions about the government's intent to potentially strip her of citizenship before she leaves office.

The Justice Department confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar's residence. While officials have not confirmed the final goal of the case, the Wall Street Journal reported that the investigation aims to build a denaturalization claim. Mark Osler, a former federal prosecutor and professor at the University of St. Thomas, noted that the timing broke from traditional Justice Department practices. He said that actions likely to raise perceptions of bias usually require special approval when they occur within 60 days of an election.

Legal scholars point to the rarity of such an action against a sitting lawmaker. Amanda Frost, a citizenship law historian at the University of Virginia, stated that it is unprecedented for the federal government to bring denaturalization claims against a member of Congress. She compared the current move to historical cases where the government targeted activists and labor leaders. Frost argued that the process is often used to remove political opponents rather than to correct legal errors in citizenship applications.

The investigation stems from rumors that surfaced during the previous administration. The New York Times reported that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security found evidence in 2016 suggesting Omar entered a fraudulent marriage. Investigators dropped that specific case because it fell outside the five-year statutory limit for criminal charges. Omar has denied any wrongdoing. The current probe may rely on a civil denaturalization process, which requires the government to prove fraud or a legal error in the original naturalization process.

Omar became a U.S. citizen in 2000. Frost explained that the statute of limitations likely bars criminal charges related to that timeline, but a civil case remains possible. She noted that such cases were historically uncommon, occurring only about 10 times a year. The Trump administration has indicated it intends to increase the number of these cases. Frost described the move as part of a broader effort to tighten citizenship rules and redefine who qualifies as an American.

The investigation has drawn sharp political attacks. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Omar, and his supporters have chanted for her deportation at recent rallies. Omar stated in an interview with MS Now that the administration's goal is to intimidate naturalized citizens. She said the fear is intended to discourage people from voting or participating in government.

Omar won her last two elections with more than 70 percent of the vote. She is expected to win her district again next week against Republican John Nagel. The warrant used to search her home remains sealed. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed court documents this week stating that the government is still executing the search warrant and that legal action may follow once the process is complete.