Trump administration official says Omar could be denaturalized; Obama condemns targeting of political rival
Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, said denaturalization and deportation of Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar is possible if evidence warrants it, prompting former president Obama to warn of political persecution.
What happened
Tom Homan, Trump's designated border czar, stated on Fox News Saturday that the federal government investigation into congresswoman Ilhan Omar could result in her denaturalization and deportation if evidence shows she lied during the naturalization process. Federal agents raided Omar's home on October 12, seizing personal records and her phone as part of an investigation into whether she or her family violated laws when obtaining citizenship. The investigation centers on whether Omar was actually 18 rather than 17 when her father was naturalized, which would have required her to apply separately for citizenship. Homan acknowledged the denaturalization process is lengthy but said "if the evidence points that way, that could happen," and hinted at other unspecified allegations under investigation. Former president Barack Obama condemned the comments Sunday, stating the "full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official" and warning that if this becomes normal, future presidents in either party could weaponize similar actions against political opponents.
Context
The investigation of Omar, a naturalized Somali American citizen and prominent Democratic congresswoman, occurs within a broader Trump administration offensive targeting both undocumented and legal immigrants. As of April, the Justice Department had identified nearly 400 foreign-born citizens for denaturalization investigation. According to Obama's account, Omar arrived in the US when she was 12 and became a naturalized citizen in 2000 at age 17 when her father naturalized. The timing of the raid weeks before midterm elections where Omar is on the ballot, combined with years of unsubstantiated accusations from Trump supporters alleging fraudulent citizenship and other false claims, has raised concerns about potential election interference. A former career Justice Department official expressed surprise at the targeting of a sitting congressperson so close to an election, noting the department historically avoids actions that could appear to influence electoral outcomes.
What's disputed
The central factual claim—whether Omar obtained her citizenship fraudulently or whether she was actually 18 rather than 17 at the time of her father's naturalization—is contested. Omar's attorneys state there is "no legitimate basis" for suggesting she violated citizenship laws. Right-wing figures supporting Trump have leveled unsubstantiated accusations, including claims unrelated to citizenship. The investigation has not produced public evidence supporting denaturalization or deportation.