Ilhan Omar faces federal investigation over alleged immigration fraud

Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing a federal investigation concerning allegations that she or her father misrepresented her birth year on immigration paperwork, which could affect her citizenship status, PJ Media reported. The investigation has escalated to a judicially authorized search of her residence and subpoenas issued to members of her family, according to PJ Media and The National News Desk.

Border czar Tom Homan told Fox News that if immigration fraud is proven, Omar could be stripped of her U.S. citizenship and deported, as reported by ktul.com and bakersfieldnow.com. Homan indicated investigators have a strong case but did not provide specific details of the Justice Department's inquiry.

The Justice Department has confirmed the search of Omar's Washington, D.C., home was part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The search involved confiscation of personal records and Omar's cellphone, according to The National News Desk.

Omar has denied the allegations and described the investigation as politically motivated. Former President Barack Obama criticized the investigation, suggesting it was an attempt to target Omar due to her political views. The White House has denied allegations of weaponizing the investigation for political purposes.

Legal experts note that U.S. immigration laws allow for denaturalization if a person is found to have illegally procured citizenship, but the government must meet a high standard of proof. The issue of Omar's true age at the time of her father's naturalization is central to the case, as it affects her eligibility to derive citizenship through him, PJ Media explained.