Dozens of House Dems ditch Ilhan Omar as party rallies to block Trump immigration probe

Dozens of House Democrats are keeping their distance from Rep.Ilhan Omar as the Minnesota “Squad” rep faces a federal investigation — even as party leaders rally behind her and demand that the Trump administration back off.A letter led by Rep.

Pramila Jaypal (D-Wash.) and signed by 175 House Democrats accused the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security of weaponizing law enforcement against Omar, whose Washington DC home was searched by federal agents earlier this month.Around 40 Democrats declined to sign the letter from the 214-member caucus.

“Congresswoman Omar is seeking reelection in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district in just one week.News of the search warrant, whether properly predicated or not, could affect voters’ decisions, which is exactly why federal law enforcement should not engage in such conduct when voters are casting their ballots.

This type of interference strips Minnesotans of their right to a free and fair election guaranteed to them under the Constitution,” the letter states.However, a number of House Democrats declined to sign the letter, a notable show of distance from Omar, who has frequently drawn controversy over her outspoken criticism of Israel and other positions on foreign policy.Among the lawmakers who didn’t sign were Reps.Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen and Josh Gottheimer, who all represent a district in either New York or New Jersey, where political calculations could make embracing Omar a liability.Rep.

Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, also chose not to sign the letter even though current Democratic leader Rep.Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) did.

Rep.Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Washington Democrat who represents a competitive district, also was not on the letter.Their absences suggest that while many Democrats are willing to defend Omar against what they characterize as a “politically motivated investigation,” others may be wary of tying themselves to the progressive just days befo...