Rep. Ilhan Omar’s lawyers are challenging how federal agents searched her Washington home, sharpening scrutiny of a criminal inquiry weeks before she seeks reelection in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
The Justice Department told NPR that Homeland Security Investigations searched Omar’s home Oct. 12 under a court-approved warrant as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. The department gave NPR no details about the investigation. CBS News later reported, citing sources familiar with the inquiry, that investigators were examining Omar’s immigration paperwork. Those reported allegations are not findings of wrongdoing.
An Oct. 16 letter reviewed by CBS News identifies Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz as Omar’s attorneys and seeks the return of property taken during the search. It also asks the department to preserve audio and video recordings. The attorneys contend investigators did not follow safeguards for members of Congress. They also argued that the search’s timing risked influencing the election; that remains their allegation. Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington said officials complied with court orders.
Separately, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said in an Oct. 13 Fox News interview that her office was investigating Omar’s financial disclosures. The financial-disclosure inquiry is distinct from the criminal investigation tied to the search.
Jeffress also represented former President Joe Biden in a lawsuit against the Justice Department filed in May 2026. The complaint names her as Biden’s counsel.
Four days after the letter, Omar posted a video thanking people who had sent $5, $10 or $20 and asking them to continue donating, CBS Minnesota reported. She described the period as expensive and difficult. The report did not say the contributions were reserved for legal expenses.
Omar’s office has said she did nothing wrong. The Justice Department has defended its compliance with the court orders, while the attorneys dispute how the search was conducted. Omar is seeking reelection in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
