In brief
Barack Obama blasted the federal probe into Representative Ilhan Omar, labeling it an appalling political attack. The investigation stems from questions about Omar’s immigration status and alleged misrepresentation of her age. Lawyers argue the raid violated judicial limits and demand the return of her personal property. A successful pursuit could lead to revocation of her citizenship, raising concerns about future partisan use of federal agencies.
Former President Barack Obama has blasted the federal investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar, labeling it a politically motivated attack.
'The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law‑abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president,' Obama wrote on X, calling the probe "so appalling".
The investigation began after homeland‑security agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home last week as part of a probe into her immigration status—specifically whether she misrepresented her age when she entered the United States in 1995. The claims center on whether Omar, who was born in Somalia, was under 18 when her father became a naturalized citizen.
Omar’s lawyers argue the raid violated judicial limits on seizure of a congresswoman’s personal property and that the agents failed to notify her or the House’s general counsel. They have demanded the return of her phone, computers, notebooks and passport.
White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said the Justice Department was not acting on partisan grounds, stressing that the agency is focused on "restoring law and order." Critics call the move a reminder of the Trump era’s weaponization of federal agencies.
If the agency succeeds in proving material fraud in Omar’s naturalization, it could lead to revocation of her citizenship, a rare move against a sitting member of Congress.
The controversy echoes former President Obama's own past threats of legal challenges against Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, a backdrop that deepens the partisan stakes.
Observers warn that a precedent was set for future administrations to target their political opponents through investigative leverage, potentially undermining democratic norms.
For more on the investigation, see BBC News' in‑depth coverage.
