Homeland Security Investigations agents carried out a judicially authorised search warrant at the Washington, D.C., residence of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar on Thursday. The raid, conducted as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, was carried out while Congress was adjourned and it is unclear whether Omar was present.
The Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that the search was “part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation” but offered no further detail. Omar, a Democrat and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, called the raid an attempt to target political enemies and weaponise federal law enforcement.
In a statement, Omar said, “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.” Her communications director, Jacklyn Rogers, called the raid an “outrageous abuse of power” by the Trump administration.
President Trump said he had “nothing to do” with the investigation, while describing Omar as a “complainer” and a “terrible person.” He added that she comes from a country that is a non‑country and that she “complains about our Constitution.”
The investigation’s focus is reportedly linked to immigration paperwork filed by Omar’s late father when she was a child, according to Fox News. The timing—22 days before the November midterm elections—has raised concerns among Democrats that the raid could influence the electoral balance.
Senior Minnesota leaders have condemned the search. Governor Tim Walz said, “Americans see this for what it is – President Trump is abusing his power to go after political opponents weeks before an election.” Senator Tina Smith called it a “transparent attempt to interfere in our elections.”
Omar, the first Somali‑American elected to the House, has faced scrutiny over her immigration records in the past. Earlier this year, fellow congresswoman Nancy Mace filed a subpoena for her records, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently suggested that “something is going to happen.”
Omar has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the investigations are “complete shams.” She remains in office and continues to campaign for the upcoming midterm elections.
