President Donald Trump said Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) could face imprisonment or deportation as federal investigators examine allegations involving the Minnesota Democrat’s immigration history and citizenship records.
Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office event Tuesday, October 20, after a reporter questioned him about whether discrepancies involving Omar’s reported age could jeopardize her citizenship.
The president acknowledged the possibility of deportation before raising another potential consequence.
“She could also go to jail,” Trump declared.
The comments came as Omar remains under federal investigation following an October 12 search of her Washington, D.C., residence by Homeland Security Investigations agents.
The search, authorized by a federal judge, reportedly focused on questions surrounding how the congresswoman obtained American citizenship.
Investigators are examining whether immigration paperwork submitted decades ago contained inaccurate information about Omar’s age.
The issue could have legal implications because Omar has maintained that she obtained citizenship through her father’s naturalization while she was still a minor.
Federal authorities are reportedly examining whether that account accurately reflects the circumstances of her immigration history.
During Tuesday’s event, Fox Business correspondent Edward Lawrence asked Trump whether questions about Omar’s age could lead to her removal from the United States.
Trump suggested that deportation was one possibility but emphasized that imprisonment could also become a consideration.
He also criticized the congresswoman personally, calling her “a disgrace to our country.”
The president characterized those remarks as his opinion.
The investigation has drawn attention to federal immigration laws governing how children obtain citizenship through their parents.
Former immigration judge Art Arthur, now a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, discussed the legal questions surrounding Omar’s reported naturalization timeline.
Arthur explained that a child’s eligibility for derivative citizenship can depend on age and other legal requirements at the time a parent becomes a citizen.
If investigators establish that Omar was already an adult when her father naturalized, questions could arise about whether she qualified to obtain citizenship through him.
Under those circumstances, Arthur said, she may have needed to complete a separate naturalization process.
However, he emphasized that the legal consequences would depend on what investigators can establish.
“It all depends on the evidence,” Arthur said.
He also suggested that an adverse court ruling could potentially affect Omar’s immigration status, although the precise consequences would depend on her circumstances and the applicable law, per the Conservative Brief.
No court has determined that Omar obtained citizenship improperly.
The congresswoman has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement to intimidate political opponents.
Her legal team has challenged the circumstances surrounding the search of her residence, demanding the return of confiscated property and preservation of recordings from the operation.
The Justice Department has disputed the defense’s allegations, maintaining that investigators complied with applicable court orders and legal requirements.
Omar has also provided additional details about the search.
During an interview with MS NOW host Chris Hayes, she said federal agents spent hours inside her home and removed 17 items.
According to the congresswoman, the seized property included cellphones and belongings associated with her husband.
She also disclosed plans to relocate after her home address became public, citing concerns about threats against her family.
As the legal dispute continues, Omar has appealed to supporters for financial assistance.
In an Instagram video posted Tuesday, she thanked contributors and warned that defending herself against the investigation would be expensive.
“It is going to be a very expensive and challenging time,” she said.
Omar characterized the investigation as an effort to discourage political participation ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
She urged supporters to continue backing Democratic candidates and helping the party pursue control of Congress.
Trump’s latest comments have added further attention to the potential legal consequences of the ongoing inquiry.
However, his remarks do not constitute a criminal charge, judicial finding or formal decision to seek deportation.
Omar has not been publicly charged with a crime in connection with the investigation, and no court has ruled that her citizenship was improperly obtained.
Whether investigators uncover evidence sufficient to support criminal proceedings or an immigration challenge remains unresolved.
