US immigration agents searched the home of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar as part of a criminal investigation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant for the property in the Washington, DC area, according to a spokesperson from the US Department of Justice. The search is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, but no further details were provided. It is currently unclear if Omar was present at the home during the search, as Congress is out of session.
Omar, a Democrat and critic of former President Donald Trump, described the search on social media as an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement. She stated, "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."
Trump responded to the search by claiming he had "nothing to do" with the investigation into Omar, referring to her as a "complainer" and a "terrible person." He also made remarks about her background, stating, "She comes from a country that is a non-country. And then she comes over here and she complains about our Constitution."
Omar's communications director, Jacklyn Rogers, called the raid "an outrageous abuse of power" by the Trump administration, asserting that the congresswoman has done nothing wrong. The nature of the criminal investigation remains unclear.
A BBC crew observed several agents at Omar's home, some carrying boxes to a van. Fox News first reported the search, indicating that the investigation relates to immigration paperwork filed by Omar's late father when she was a child. The timing of the raid, occurring 22 days before the November midterm elections, has raised concerns among Omar's fellow Democrats. They noted that the Department of Justice has a policy against enforcement actions that could be perceived as influencing elections.
Leading Democrats in the House of Representatives stated that Omar has long been targeted with personal attacks and accusations by Trump. They expressed concern over the implications of the search, stating, "Now, less than 30 days until the midterm election, his violent mass deportation machine has descended upon the home of a duly elected Member of Congress and her family."
Omar's immigration records have previously been scrutinized by Republicans, and earlier this year, Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina filed a subpoena for her records. Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin hinted at upcoming developments regarding Omar, making allegations of marital fraud against her. Separately, Tom Homan, the White House's border tsar, stated that Omar was being investigated for unspecified immigration violations, which she denied.
Trump has previously suggested that Omar "should go back" to Somalia and that she should be deported. Omar has responded to Trump's comments, describing them as an "unhealthy and creepy obsession." The former president has also targeted the Somali-American community, stating that Minnesota is being "taken over by Somali immigrants" and that residents must "fight back."
Some Republicans welcomed the search, with Tom Emmer, a fellow Minnesota representative, stating, "Nobody is above the law. We look forward to learning more details about this raid and investigation. ACCOUNTABILITY IS COMING!"
Omar is the first Somali American elected to the House and represents a district in the Minneapolis area. She and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib were the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Omar won re-election two years ago with 74% of the vote. Senior political leaders in Minnesota criticized the search, with Governor Tim Walz stating, "Americans see this for what it is - President Trump is abusing his power to go after political opponents weeks before an election." Minnesota Senator Tina Smith called it "a transparent attempt to interfere in our elections."