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The Trump administration has reopened an investigation into US Representative Ilhan Omar’s citizenship, seven years after federal officials examined similar allegations and found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing, The Washington Post reported Thursday.
Federal agents searched the Minnesota Democrat’s home in Washington, DC, on Monday as part of an inquiry into whether Omar or her late father provided false information on immigration documents, according to the newspaper.
The investigation concerns paperwork submitted after Omar and her family arrived in the United States as Somali refugees decades ago, including documents used to obtain legal status and citizenship. They were granted asylum in 1995, when Omar was 12, and she became a US citizen at 17.
During Trump’s first term, Homeland Security officials reviewed Omar’s immigration history after a political appointee sought evidence of possible fraud, the Post reported, citing former immigration officials.
That review examined her family’s refugee history, questions about her birthdate and her father’s former military service in Somalia, as well as longstanding allegations concerning her marriage. One former official told the newspaper the review found “insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.”
Officials cited by the Post said the renewed inquiry could lead to criminal charges or an attempt to challenge Omar’s citizenship if investigators obtain evidence of fraud.
Omar calls investigation politically motivated
Omar, a frequent critic of Trump, said the investigation was an effort to “target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.”
“Trump has spread lie after lie about the Congresswoman in a desperate attempt to justify his extraordinary abuse of power,” her spokesperson said Thursday, calling the investigation politically motivated and an escalation of Trump’s personal vendetta against Omar.
A former official familiar with the earlier review questioned the basis for reopening the case, telling the Post: “I think her citizenship is solid and there wasn’t any fraud there.”
Trump denied directing the investigation when asked about Omar this week. “I think she’s a terrible person,” he told reporters. “But that’s really up to the DOJ (Justice Department). I have nothing to do with it.”
Under standard policy, the Justice Department avoids actions that could be seen as influencing an election within 60 days of voting. Omar is seeking reelection to Congress in the Nov. 3 election, which is less than three weeks away.
