Trump’s plan to deport a member of Congress

On February 24, 2026, the US Capitol witnessed a news conference by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) where she expressed her concerns over an ongoing investigation. The investigation, according to sources, was tied to immigration paperwork filled out by her father when she was a minor. This news sent shockwaves through the political sphere, given Omar's outspoken criticism of the administration and her status as a Somali-American congresswoman.

The investigation reportedly conducted by Homeland Security officers saw them raiding Omar's Washington, DC home in pursuit of more serious allegations - citizenship denial and deportation.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the investigation was specifically aimed at stripping Omar of her citizenship and subsequently deporting her. This is a highly unusual course of action, as denaturalization - the process of revoking citizenship - is not commonly undertaken. To do this, the government must seek a court order, which adds another layer of complexity to the process.

The investigation centers on allegations that Omar or her family may have misrepresented her age to facilitate her citizenship. However, the government cannot unilaterally strip a citizen's citizenship.

In a broader context, this investigation is part of a disturbing trend under the second Trump administration where the Justice Department is being leveraged as a tool against political opponents. If the investigation progresses, it could potentially pave the way for a far graver situation where citizenship and the rights it confers are contingent on the president's discretion.