U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar told MS NOW she plans to leave her Washington home after publicity around an Oct. 12 federal search made her feel unsafe, as officials have not disclosed the focus of the inquiry.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) carried out a search under a judge-approved warrant in the Washington area in connection with an ongoing federal criminal probe. The department did not describe the investigation’s subject or evidence. The Associated Press identified the searched residence as Omar’s home.
In the Oct. 21 interview, Omar said she woke at about 6 a.m. EDT to investigators banging at her door. She described the search as lasting four or five hours. Omar said agents took 17 items; her account included a vintage camera her husband had received as a gift and a Somali-language children’s book, along with phones and notebooks.
Omar said, “I’m confident in the fact that I didn’t do anything wrong.”
The Associated Press, citing a person briefed on the investigation, reported that authorities were examining possible fraud in immigration paperwork involving Omar’s family and had issued grand jury subpoenas to some relatives. The Washington Post separately reported, citing people familiar with the inquiry, that investigators were reviewing decades-old paperwork involving Omar or her late father. The warrant remains sealed.
The Washington Post reported that Omar’s lawyers sought the return of seized property and alleged agents failed to follow restrictions set by the judge. A Justice Department spokesperson said officials complied with court orders.
Omar represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District and is seeking reelection. The Nov. 3 midterm elections will determine control of the House and Senate.
