Federal agents search Ilhan Omar home in Washington criminal investigation

Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C. residence of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during an active criminal investigation on Monday. The search came three weeks before the Minnesota lawmaker stands for reelection to her congressional seat.

Omar is not involved in several Minnesota fraud cases involving Somali-run nonprofits. That detail remains clear. Homeland Security investigators executed the federal search warrant at the residence.

The Department of Justice confirmed a criminal investigation on Monday. Officials offered few other case details. Longstanding department protocol avoids legal actions against politicians shortly before elections.

President Donald Trump deferred questions to federal investigators. He claimed the matter had nothing to do with him.

“I’ve always found her to be very crooked, personally,” Trump said.

Omar was born in Somalia. She arrived with her family after obtaining asylum. She became a naturalized citizen in 2000 at age 17.

Trump spoke at a Tennessee rally on Saturday. He called her homeland a place of crime and squalor. He suggested Vice President JD Vance investigated her.

Vance previously suggested Omar committed immigration fraud. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin cited an ongoing inquiry last month. He suggested agents examined paperwork fraud.

“Something’s going to happen,” Mullin said.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a joint statement with top congressional Democrats.

“For years, Donald Trump and far-right extremists have relentlessly targeted Congresswoman Omar with vile personal attacks and baseless accusations,” the statement said. “Now, less than 30 days until the midterm election, his violent mass deportation machine has descended upon the home of a duly elected Member of Congress and her family.”

Omar posted a statement on X on Monday. She described the search as weaponized law enforcement.

“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.”

Trump previously urged prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey. He also targeted New York Attorney General Letitia James. Both figures had led investigations into him.

Federal search warrants require approval from a judge upon a showing of probable cause. Law enforcement officers then gather materials specified by the warrant. Prosecutors review seized evidence before filing any formal criminal charges.

The Nov. 3 election takes place in 20 days. Omar represents a Minneapolis congressional district.