Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home in immigration-related investigation

Federal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home in immigration-related investigation

Federal agents searched Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home in the Washington, D.C., area on Monday as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, the Justice Department said. Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant approved by the department. Officials did not publicly disclose the investigation’s specific basis, but CBS News and other outlets reported that a yearslong inquiry concerns immigration paperwork completed by Omar’s late father when she was a child. NPR reported that the investigation includes whistleblower complaints and allegations of immigration fraud. No charges were announced. Omar, a Minnesota congresswoman who was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000, called the search politically motivated. She described it as an attempt to target President Donald Trump’s political opponents and said she “will not be silenced.” Her office said she had done nothing wrong and called the search an abuse of power. Trump denied directing or participating in the investigation, telling reporters that the matter was up to the Justice Department. He also criticized Omar personally and called her “totally crooked,” without presenting evidence.crooked.” The search occurred 22 days before the November midterm elections. Democratic congressional leaders condemned it and cited Justice Department policy cautioning against enforcement actions close to elections when they could be perceived as intended to influence voting or disadvantage a candidate.