Inside the monthslong federal investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar

Former US President Barack Obama has condemned a federal criminal investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, calling it "so appalling". The probe, carried out by Homeland Security agents, is reportedly focused on Omar's immigration status and her citizenship, alleging she lied about her age when she arrived in the US in 1995. Obama explained that Omar's citizenship was established when her father became a naturalised citizen when she was 17, making her a citizen as well.

He stated that the administration is "actively trying to deport Congresswoman Omar, seemingly based solely on the unsubstantiated theory that she was actually 18 when her father was naturalised, and therefore is not a citizen." If the investigation leads to denaturalisation, the Justice Department would need to prove there were material lies in the naturalisation process.

Obama warned that this could set a dangerous precedent, as future presidents from either party might attempt the same. The White House defended the investigation, stating it is focused on restoring law and order, and denied it was politically motivated. However, the investigation has raised concerns about potential political interference in the legislative branch and has led to Democrats accusing the Trump administration of interfering with Omar's work as a federal lawmaker.