Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., is calling on the Department of Justice to open a formal investigation that could lead to the denaturalization and deportation of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, citing the Democratic socialist’s history of comments and associations viewed as sympathetic to anti-Israel and anti-American movements, as reported by Fox News.
Ogles first requested a review of Mamdani’s citizenship in June, but renewed his demand this week after what he described as “additional public reporting” raised concerns about Mamdani’s past remarks and refusal to disavow “violent anti-American rhetoric.”
“Additional public reporting has raised further questions about Mr. Mamdani’s past statements and associations, including his refusal to disavow violent anti-American rhetoric and continued public praise for individuals convicted of providing material support to Hamas,” Ogles wrote in his new letter to the DOJ.
Mamdani, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Uganda, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. Under federal law, deportation of a U.S. citizen is not possible; however, a denaturalization process may occur if the government can prove that citizenship was obtained fraudulently.
“No individual, regardless of public office or public profile, should be shielded from accountability if credible evidence indicates deception or concealment during the citizenship process,” Ogles stated.
“I again urge the Department to open a formal investigation into whether Mr. Mamdani’s public expressions of support for the Holy Land Foundation’s convicted leadership, and his ongoing rhetoric sympathetic to anti-Israel and anti-U.S. movements, were disclosed as required during his naturalization.”
The Holy Land Foundation, once the largest Islamic charity in the United States, was convicted in federal court of providing material support to Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
The New York Post reported that Mamdani praised the group’s founders in a 2017 rap song he released under the stage name “Mr. Cardamom.”
The New York assemblyman has been accused multiple times of showing sympathy toward Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel that killed more than 1,200 people.
During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani pledged to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to enter New York City, citing allegations of war crimes.
While Mamdani has described himself as a mayoral candidate for “all New Yorkers,” his public remarks have drawn widespread criticism. During a recent debate, when asked about Hamas, he stated, “Of course, I believe that they should lay down their arms.”
Ogles concluded his letter by emphasizing that “the United States must uphold the integrity of its citizenship process and ensure that those who seek to represent the public meet the highest standards of loyalty to this Nation.”
Fox News Digital reported that Mamdani’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
