On Monday morning, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at the Washington, D.C. home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar. The Justice Department confirmed the operation was authorized by a court warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. HSI officers were seen carrying boxes and electronic devices out of her home. The raid occurred less than a month before the midterm elections. The action targeted one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent critics.
According to Fox News, investigators are examining immigration documents completed by Omar’s late father when she was a child. The investigation is reportedly focused on possible immigration fraud, including allegations of marriage fraud. Omar has denied these allegations. Border czar Tom Homan noted that if someone committed an immigration violation or marriage fraud, no one is above the law. The Department of Homeland Security had previously opened an investigation into Omar, as noted by Homan.
Omar was born in Somalia and arrived in the United States at age 12 after her family spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya. Her family fled Somalia during the 1990s decade. She became a U.S. citizen in the year 2000. Omar was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. She is now seeking a fifth term in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. The raid occurred while she is seeking a fifth term.
President Donald Trump described Omar as “totally crooked” but said he had nothing to do with the raid.
Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Justice Department confirmed the search was carried out by DHS agents under a court-authorized warrant. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also conducted a raid on the Mar-a-Lago residence on the same date, according to the chronology. Tom Homan, the U.S. border czar, confirmed the involvement of the Department of Justice in the Omar raid. The investigation remains ongoing, with no specifics on its nature disclosed by the Justice Department.
Rally in support of Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar after raid on her home #AssociatedPress https://t.co/grHf3xILdk
President Donald Trump described Omar as “totally crooked” but said he had nothing to do with the raid. Trump has repeatedly called for an investigation into whether Omar is a lawful citizen. He has also claimed she married her own brother for immigration purposes. Trump denied direct involvement, stating, “I have nothing to do with it.” On the same day, Trump made remarks about Somali immigrants, according to the chronology.
Omar responded on social media, saying the raid was an attempt to “target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.” She also wrote, “I’m ok. Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.” Omar accused Trump of using “baseless lies and smear campaigns” as a means of “political intimidation.” She has repeatedly denied that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi is her brother, calling the allegations “disgusting lies.” Omar has denied claims that she married her brother for immigration purposes.
Republican politicians and conservative commentators have for years raised allegations about Omar's immigration history, including the unsubstantiated claim that she married her brother. These allegations have persisted despite her repeated denials. The timing, less than a month before the midterm elections, adds political sensitivity.