World News
Federal Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home in Immigration Fraud Investigation
Homeland Security agents reportedly searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home weeks before the midterm elections, sparking accusations of political persecution from Democratic leaders
- Yuval Aviv
- | Updated
The U.S. Capitol (Credit: pexels)Federal agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted a search of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s home on Monday as part of a criminal investigation involving alleged immigration violations.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that agents from Homeland Security Investigations carried out the search in the Washington, D.C., area during the morning hours, acting under a warrant approved by a judge.
Search Comes Weeks Before Midterm Elections
The raid took place just three weeks before the November midterm elections, in which Omar is seeking another term in the House of Representatives.
The timing of the search prompted criticism from senior Democratic Party officials, particularly in light of the Justice Department's longstanding practice of avoiding overt investigative actions involving political candidates during the 60 days preceding an election.
Democrats Accuse Trump Administration of Political Persecution
Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives strongly condemned the raid, accusing the Trump administration of politically targeting Omar.
In a joint statement, they claimed that President Donald Trump and figures on the far right have subjected Omar to personal attacks for years while spreading allegations against her that they described as baseless.
Immigration Allegations Against Omar
Omar, who was born in Somalia and immigrated to the United States, has long faced criticism from President Trump and senior Republican officials.
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin alleged that an investigation was underway involving, among other matters, suspicions that Omar had provided false information on her immigration forms.
Mullin has also previously accused Omar of marrying her brother for immigration purposes.
Trump's immigration adviser, Tom Homan, claimed that Omar was under investigation for several alleged offenses, although he did not provide specific details.
Omar has denied the allegations against her.
