Immigration officials search Congresswoman Ilhan Omar home
US immigration agents searched the Minnesota home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar on Monday morning. A spokesperson said the search related to a federal criminal investigation but provided no further information.
The investigation’s focus is unknown. Congress is not in session, and it is unclear whether Omar was home. The BBC said it had sought her comment.
Omar’s immigration records have previously drawn scrutiny from Republicans. A subpoena request by Representative Nancy Mace earlier this year did not succeed. Omar has rejected allegations connected to such scrutiny, calling the investigations “complete shams” in a campaign fundraising email.
Republicans welcomed the search. Representative Tom Emmer said he wanted more information about the investigation and stressed that no one is above the law.
Omar represents a Minneapolis-area district and was the first Somali-American elected to the House. The search also raises questions about the Justice Department’s policy against enforcement actions that could appear intended to affect an election. No further details about the case were reported.
Key points
- Agents searched Omar’s home in connection with an undisclosed federal criminal investigation.
- Omar’s immigration records have previously faced Republican scrutiny, which she has rejected.
- Republicans praised the search; the Justice Department has a policy limiting actions that could affect elections.