Rep. Ilhan Omar addressed a federal probe of her immigration history in a short video aimed at her supporters. According to the Daily Mail, the Minnesota Democrat posted the roughly minute-long clip on TikTok. She recorded it while riding in a vehicle and described her situation as a “challenging time.”
In the clip, Omar thanked supporters who gave $5, $10 or $20 and asked for further contributions. She described the probe as an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate critics ahead of the midterms and vowed, “We’re not going to be intimidated.” She also said she would keep campaigning. The video follows an October 12 search, when agents searched Omar’s Washington home under a warrant that the Justice Department described as judicially authorized.
Investigators are reportedly examining how Omar became a citizen in 2000, including whether her age was altered on her application. A published report stated that the probe aims to build a case for revoking her citizenship. Omar states she became a citizen at 17 through her father’s naturalization. A minor can gain citizenship automatically when a parent naturalizes, while an adult must pursue a separate process.
Denaturalization has two legal tracks
Minneapolis immigration attorney David Wilson explained to MPR News that civil denaturalization begins as a petition in federal court. The government must show by clear and convincing evidence that naturalization was obtained illegally or through fraud, which Wilson described as a high burden for the government. He added that intent is not required in civil cases, so technical defects can be enough.
A criminal case follows a different path, Wilson stated. He identified 18 U.S.C. 1425 as the statute the Justice Department appears to be using. Prosecutors would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person knowingly made a false statement or committed fraud. Wilson noted that such cases have been rare, and that losing citizenship does not always mean losing permanent residency.
The administration’s border czar, Tom Homan, told a television interviewer that investigators have a “strong case” and confirmed that denaturalization and deportation are possible outcomes. He added that if the evidence points that way, such a result could happen. Vice President JD Vance stated there were “some serious allegations” and that the administration would “follow the facts” if there is a real case.
Earlier this year, Vance alleged on a podcast that Omar committed immigration fraud, and her chief of staff, Connor McNutt, rejected the claim. Omar denies wrongdoing, and the Justice Department has not filed charges. Reports at the time stated that agents took her passport and phone and that about a dozen subpoenas followed, some to relatives. Former President Barack Obama later defended Omar after the search in a post on X, warning that the matter could reach beyond her.
A 2025 disclosure form valued joint assets with her husband at $6 million to $30 million. Omar later revised it to a much lower range and cited accounting errors. A House ethics review recommended dropping the allegations over the form, and her office cites that finding.
Omar’s lawyers have demanded the return of seized property and called the investigation politically motivated. They also argue that the Justice Department is ignoring longstanding practices meant to avoid affecting elections. Emily Covington, a department spokesperson, rejected the claims as “riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies.”
Trump has denied involvement and stated the matter is up to the Justice Department.
Published: Oct 21, 2026 01:54 pm