Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington home, DOJ says

Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C. home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Monday, 12 October. The Department of Justice said in a statement to NPR that agents with Homeland Security Investigations "executed a judicially authorized search warrant." The DOJ said the warrant was part of an "ongoing federal investigation." It did not give further details on the reason for the probe.

Current and former federal officials with knowledge of the search confirmed details of the investigation; they were not authorized to speak publicly. One current official said it is part of a multi-year probe that includes whistleblower complaints. A former official said the investigation deals with immigration fraud allegations. DW reported that US media linked the operation to a criminal fraud investigation into immigration paperwork submitted on Omar's behalf by her late father when she was a child, and that no charges against Omar were announced.

Omar posted on social media: "Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement." She added: "I will not be silenced." Her spokesperson, Jackie Rogers, called the search an "outrageous abuse of power" and an "unprecedented escalation" in the weaponization of federal law enforcement. DW reported that House Democratic leaders called the search an "abuse of power" by the Trump administration.

DW reported that Trump previously called Somalis "garbage" and said in February that Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan should be "institutionalized" and sent back to "where they came from." NPR reported that Vice President Vance has previously alleged Omar committed immigration fraud, which she denies. DW reported that Omar has called Trump's focus on her an "unhealthy and creepy obsession" and said she and her family have faced death threats, which she attributes to "hateful political rhetoric."

Sharon Jackson, 79, who lives across the street from the congresswoman, told NPR that federal agents woke her around 4:30 a.m. "I got awakened by boom, boom, boom," she said. "They were out here with a great big truck." NPR reported that several HSI agents could be seen walking near and around the home.

NPR reported the search took place ahead of next month's midterm elections, in which Omar is seeking reelection. DW reported it came three weeks before elections in which Trump's Republicans will try to defend their thin majorities. DW also reported that the DOJ statement, given to the Reuters news agency, did not specifically name Omar.