Obama condemns federal raid on Rep. Ilhan Omar as intimidation by Trump administration

Former President Barack Obama on Sunday denounced a federal raid on the Washington, D.C., residence of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., describing it as a "transparent" attempt 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.

The search, conducted last week, is part of a Justice Department investigation that may include charges of conspiracy and false statements on immigration paperwork, though officials have not disclosed any evidence. Omar, a naturalized citizen born in Somalia, linked the raid to President Donald Trump, saying it was an effort to target political enemies and weaponize 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," Omar posted.

Obama also challenged the administration’s alleged move to deport Omar, arguing the basis for such action is unsubstantiated. He warned that any president using federal power to intimidate critics could set a dangerous precedent. The raid occurred close to the midterm elections and during a federal holiday, raising concerns among Justice Department veterans about its timing.