Federal agents searched the Washington residence of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota on Monday as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, three weeks before the November midterm elections, according to The Associated Press.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a judicially authorized search warrant, the Justice Department confirmed, without disclosing the nature of the investigation. Federal officers blocked access to the street surrounding Omar’s residence and were seen removing boxes marked “Seized Property Evidence.”
The search drew criticism from Democratic congressional leaders, who questioned its timing ahead of the November elections, when Omar is seeking reelection.
Omar Accuses Administration of Political Targeting
In a statement posted on X, Omar accused the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement against political opponents.
“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,” Omar said. “I will not be silenced.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other senior Democrats condemned the operation, citing longstanding Justice Department practices discouraging public investigative actions involving candidates shortly before elections.
The department has traditionally sought to avoid such actions within 60 days of an election.
President Donald Trump denied involvement in the search, telling reporters Monday that he had “nothing to do” with it and that the matter was “really up to the DOJ.”
Earlier, Trump and senior administration officials had publicly raised allegations concerning Omar’s immigration history. At a political rally in Ohio later Monday, Trump again criticized Omar, referring to her Somali origins. Members of the audience responded by chanting “Deport.”
Investigation Follows Immigration Fraud Allegations
The scope of the federal investigation remains unclear. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said last month that an investigation was underway into possible irregularities involving Omar’s family’s immigration documentation.
Vice President JD Vance has also accused Omar of immigration fraud and said federal authorities were examining the allegations.
Omar has repeatedly denied accusations concerning her immigration status and marriage history, describing them as false and defamatory.
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