Mamdani: Trump administration ‘weaponized’ Ilhan Omar’s citizenship

“The path to citizenship should not be weaponized against anyone, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, a naturalized American who swore an oath to this country – the same one that I took,” he said. “The promise of citizenship should not be contingent on someone agreeing with the federal government.”

The Department of Justice executed the search warrant amid a months-long investigation stemming from questions about the Minnesota representative’s naturalization process after immigrating to the United States in 1995.

“I’m OK,” Ilhan wrote on social media. “Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement. For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced.”

In September, White House border czar Tom Homan refused to reveal many details regarding the “ongoing criminal investigation,” besides that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are the ones conducting it.

“Today in the Washington, D.C, area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice,” a statement provided to The Center Square said. “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”

For Mamdani, his relationship with the White House is less fraught. The former assembly member from Queens won last year's crowded race for mayor to become the city's first Muslim leader.

But he has faced criticism over his previous statements on Israel that critics say legitimize terrorist organizations, such as Hamas. He’s also repeatedly said his criticism of the Israeli government doesn't equate to support for terrorist groups.

Earlier this month, DHS approved his security clearance for classified briefings about the city, which is considered a prime target for terrorist attacks.

The president has also stripped former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who served in his first administration, of Secret Service protection. 

And former Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, had his clearance revoked following a federal indictment last year, which was later dismissed. Adams declined to run for reelection in 2025 due to scandals that had engulfed his office.