Ilhan Omar Responds After Feds Raid Her D.C. Home
Federal agents searched a Washington, D.C., home associated with Rep. Ilhan Omar on Monday, opening a new chapter in a criminal investigation into her immigration records and prompting the Minnesota Democrat to accuse the Trump administration of targeting political opponents.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived before dawn, reportedly around 6 a.m., and executed a judge-authorized warrant. Witnesses saw investigators carrying boxes from the Northeast Washington residence. Authorities have not identified what they seized or announced any charges.
The Justice Department confirmed the search was part of an ongoing investigation, but did not specify the suspected offenses.
“Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
Fox News Digital reported that investigators are examining immigration paperwork Omar’s late father completed when she was a child. Reuters and CBS News also reported that the inquiry concerns her immigration records, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Omar was born in Somalia, arrived in the United States during the 1990s and became a U.S. citizen in 2000. The 44-year-old has represented Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District since January 2019.
Omar responded by accusing the administration of weaponizing federal law enforcement.
“I’m ok. Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement,” Omar wrote.
“For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns,” she continued.
“This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation,” Omar alleged.
No evidence has been presented that President Donald Trump personally directed the search. The administration had previously acknowledged an investigation into allegations concerning Omar’s immigration history, which she has repeatedly denied.
Vice President JD Vance discussed the matter earlier this year, saying, “It certainly seems like something fishy is there.”
“But everyone is entitled to equal justice under the laws,” Vance added.
White House border adviser Tom Homan confirmed in September that federal authorities were investigating Omar. The reported focus is on documents submitted during her childhood; no public finding has established that her citizenship was obtained fraudulently.
Republican critics have long alleged that Omar entered an improper marriage involving a relative to obtain immigration benefits. Omar has denied the accusation, and no court has established it as fact. Investigators have not publicly said whether that allegation is part of the current inquiry.
A judge’s approval of a search warrant reflects a finding of probable cause; it does not establish guilt. Authorities have announced no indictment, arrest or specific criminal charge against Omar. The investigation’s scope, potential targets and supporting evidence remain undisclosed.
The search comes amid broader political disputes involving Omar. Republicans have criticized her positions on immigration enforcement, border security, Israel and U.S. foreign policy. In 2023, the Republican-led House removed her from the Foreign Affairs Committee, citing previous statements about Israel.
Scrutiny of Minnesota’s public-assistance fraud prosecutions has also stirred political controversy. Some people connected to Democratic political circles have faced charges, but that does not establish Omar’s involvement. Separately, Republicans have raised questions about reported inconsistencies in financial disclosures involving assets associated with Omar and her husband. Those matters are distinct from the immigration investigation, and discrepancies alone do not prove wrongdoing.
Omar is seeking another term in November and faces Republican challenger John Nagel, a former Minnesota state trooper.