Washington, D.C. — Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C., home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Monday morning, an escalation in a criminal investigation that comes three weeks before the November midterms.
The Department of Justice said agents with Homeland Security Investigations carried out a judicially authorized search warrant as part of an ongoing federal investigation. The warrant was approved by the Justice Department. Federal authorities did not give further details on the reason for the probe, and several HSI agents could be seen walking near and around the home during the search.
Officials with knowledge of the search described it as part of a multi-year probe that includes whistleblower complaints, and a former official said the investigation deals with immigration fraud allegations. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin last month cited an ongoing investigation that he suggested was examining potential fraud in her family’s immigration paperwork. Omar has denied wrongdoing.
Omar, who is seeking reelection, called the search an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other top congressional Democrats condemned the timing in a joint statement.
The Justice Department has historically sought to avoid public investigative actions involving a candidate within 60 days of a primary or general election.
