Federal Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Home in Washington
Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C.-area home of Rep. Ilhan Omar early Monday, Oct. 12, as part of what the Department of Homeland Security described as an ongoing federal criminal investigation.
The Minnesota Democrat has not been charged with a crime. She called the search politically motivated and vowed to keep speaking out.
What Happened
The search began around 6 a.m. Monday at Omar’s home in Northeast Washington, according to USA Today. Homeland Security Investigations, the criminal investigative arm of DHS, led the operation, with the Justice Department assisting.
Agents were seen outside the home throughout the morning, and photos showed them removing documents.
In a statement, the Justice Department said Homeland Security Investigations executed “a judicially authorized search warrant” secured by the department, calling it part of an ongoing federal investigation. The statement did not name Omar.
What Investigators Are Reportedly Looking Into
Federal officials have not publicly said what the investigation involves. However, sources told several news outlets that it centers on Omar’s immigration paperwork, which was filled out by her late father when she was a child.
Omar was born in Somalia and came to the United States in 1995, at age 12, after her family fled the country’s civil war.
The investigation has been publicly discussed by administration officials for weeks. Border czar Tom Homan said in mid-September that Omar was under criminal investigation, without providing details. President Donald Trump also said at a campaign rally that “our people” were investigating her.
Trump and other Republicans have accused Omar of immigration fraud for years, without publicly presenting evidence.
Omar Responds
Omar responded on X hours after the search began, saying she was OK and accusing the administration of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents. She said Trump has targeted her with “baseless lies and smear campaigns” for a decade, adding, “I will not be silenced.”
Her office said she has done nothing wrong and called the search an outrageous abuse of power.
Democratic Leaders Weigh In
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement calling the search deeply disturbing. They said it raises serious questions about the federal government being used against the president’s political adversaries.
Questions About the Timing
The search came just 22 days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, in which Omar is seeking reelection and is considered a heavy favorite.
Justice Department policy discourages prosecutors and agents from timing investigative steps or charges to affect an election. The guideline isn’t binding, but the department has historically avoided overt actions involving candidates in the roughly 60 days before an election, Mother Jones reported.
A person familiar with the matter told CNBC that the Justice Department does not believe the search violated that policy, because it was not intended to be public.
What Comes Next
No charges have been filed, and federal officials have not said whether any are expected. Omar, who serves as deputy chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis, since 2019.
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