Ilhan Omar hit with expulsion threat as GOP lawmaker vows to boot her from Congress over DOJ probe
Ilhan Omar hit with expulsion threat as GOP lawmaker vows to boot her from Congress over DOJ probe
EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital that he plans to pursue an effort to expel Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., if the Justice Department finds her guilty of immigration fraud.
Fine, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, made the comments after Fox News Digital reported that a federal court filing identified Omar under the name "Ilhan Nur Said Elmi," also listing "Ilhan Abdullahi Omar" as an alias. The filing has raised questions about Omars identity and immigration records but does not establish that she committed fraud.
"I assume that shes not a citizen, so we might not even have to do that," Fine said. "You cant be in Congress if youre not a citizen of the United States, but if it isnt automatic, I absolutely will demand expulsion immediately."
ILHAN OMAR IS NOT THE MINNESOTA CONGRESSWOMANS 'REAL NAME': SOURCES
Omar is a naturalized U.S. citizen. She was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. She has denied wrongdoing and called the investigation politically motivated.
Fine said Democrats would attempt to block any Republican effort to censure or expel Omar.
HOMAN SAYS ILHAN OMAR COULD BE STRIPPED OF NATURALIZATION, DEPORTED IF IMMIGRATION FRAUD IS PROVEN
"I dont think Democrats think you should have to be American. They dont believe in borders," Fine said. "Theyve made that clear. They dont believe in America."
The House has the constitutional authority to expel a member, but doing so requires a two-thirds vote. A criminal investigation or allegation alone does not automatically remove a member from Congress.
Fine also criticized Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., who in September introduced the Reimagining Safety Act, legislation that would dismantle the Department of Homeland Security and abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, while preserving some of its functions under a new agency, the Department of Community Safety.
"Look at this bill filed by the congresswoman from Chicago, where she doesnt believe we should have borders, border protection or the ability to deport anyone," Fine said.
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Fine also criticized Democrats who have called the Justice Departments investigation into Omar politically motivated, pointing to the separate inquiry into her financial disclosures.
