Federal officers search Ilhan Omar home as midterms near

Federal officers searched Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington-area home Monday under a court-approved warrant, the Justice Department said.

The department described the operation as part of a federal criminal inquiry but did not disclose its subject. Homeland Security Investigations, the criminal investigative arm within the Department of Homeland Security, carried out the search, according to the department.

The Minnesota Democrat is seeking another term while voting is already underway. Minnesota's secretary of state reported that more than 127,000 people had cast ballots statewide before Monday's search, placing the operation within an active election period.

Election timing draws Democratic objections

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and caucus Chair Pete Aguilar challenged the operation in a joint statement. They described it as “deeply disturbing” and emphasized that it occurred with “less than 30 days until the midterm election.”

The Democratic leaders alleged that the administration was using federal agencies against President Donald Trump's opponents. They demanded disclosure and accountability; their statement did not establish that political considerations determined the timing or purpose of the search.

Omar also accused Trump of using law enforcement against political opponents. In a post on X, she wrote: “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.”

Her office rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the congresswoman said: “The Congresswoman has done nothing wrong.”

Homan previously signaled investigative activity

White House border czar Tom Homan had publicly indicated the previous month that authorities were examining matters involving Omar. He offered no specifics at that time, leaving the nature and scope of any inquiry unclear.

On Monday, Homan confirmed that officers had carried out the warrant but again supplied no investigative details. He deferred further comment to Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Omar entered Congress following her election in 2018 and joined the progressive lawmakers collectively known as “The Squad.” Born in Somalia, she escaped the country's civil war, reached the United States as a teenager and subsequently obtained US citizenship.

Trump's public attacks on Omar predate the current investigation. Last year, he called her “garbage” and said Somalis should “go back to where they came from.”

Search puts election safeguards in focus

Justice Department policy prohibits prosecutors and investigators from choosing the timing of investigative actions to influence an election. The department has traditionally exercised caution during the 60 days preceding voting day over searches or charges that might disadvantage candidates.

Investigations involving lawmakers also face additional departmental approval requirements. Separately, constitutional protections apply to congressional documents and communications connected with legislative duties, adding another legal consideration when investigators seek material involving a member of Congress.

The department's statement establishes its position that a judge authorized the warrant, but it does not explain the underlying allegations. Further disclosures about the investigation and its authorization would be necessary to assess the competing accounts of a criminal inquiry and politically motivated enforcement.