Former President Barack Obama on Sunday condemned federal agents’ raid on the Washington, D.C., home of Rep.Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., calling it a “transparent” effort by the Trump administration to “intimidate” her.
“The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president,” Obama wrote on X.Federal agents raided the Washington home last week as part of a probe into Omar, who has been outspoken against President Donald Trump and his policies.The timing of the search alarmed Justice Department veterans because it fell so close to the midterm elections and occurred during a federal holiday.Obama also rebuked the administration’s apparent efforts to deport Omar, who was born in Somalia but was naturalized as a U.S.
citizen at 17 years old.“Now 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 naturalized, and therefore is not a citizen,” Obama wrote.“Federal agents have raided her home, confiscated personal records, and seized her phone — all to try and uncover a nonexistent smoking gun from 20 years ago that will somehow make their case.”A person familiar with the investigation has told NBC News that the possible charges against Omar cited by federal officials include conspiracy and making false statements in immigration paperwork.
The Justice Department has not revealed evidence against her.Omar tied the raid to Trump last week, calling it “an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.”For SubscribersFOR SUBSCRIBERSOne poll, multiple outcomes: Why election surveys come with an extra layer of uncertaintyFOR SUBSCRIBERSThis Super Bowl contender has an elite offense and defense — and one potentially fatal flawFOR SUBSCRIBERSAnthropic wants outside input on Claude’s values.But who gets the final say?FOR ...