Ilhan Omar Probe Centres on Immigration Papers Her Late Father Completed When She Was a Child, Sources Say

Federal agents have searched US Representative Ilhan Omar's Washington DC home in a criminal investigation focused on immigration papers her late father completed when she was a child, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.

The Justice Department confirmed the court‑authorised operation on Monday, 12 October, but did not disclose the suspected offences or identify the documents under examination.

Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, denied wrongdoing and accused federal authorities of political intimidation. President Donald Trump denied involvement in the operation.

The search followed months of public comments by senior administration officials about an investigation into Omar's immigration history.

In September, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin discussed an ongoing inquiry involving possible irregularities in her family's immigration paperwork. Omar said at the time that investigators had not contacted her about any inquiry.

Childhood Immigration Papers at Centre of Ilhan Omar Probe

According to sources familiar with the investigation, federal authorities are examining possible false statements and immigration fraud involving documents from Omar's childhood.

The sources said her late father completed paperwork relevant to the inquiry. Investigators have not publicly identified which statements they believe may be inaccurate or whether Omar personally made any of them.

The investigation is being led by Homeland Security Investigations, the criminal investigative arm of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

HSI agents investigate suspected offences involving immigration documents, identity fraud and immigration benefits. Unlike the agency's deportation‑focused operations, HSI also conducts criminal investigations and executes federal search warrants.

The Justice Department confirmed that HSI agents executed a judicially authorised search warrant obtained by the department. It described the operation as 'part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation', without identifying the suspected offences or providing details about the evidence sought.

Sources also said Attorney General Todd Blanche was personally aware of the search and that officials consulted the department's Public Integrity Section.

Under Justice Department procedures, the Public Integrity Section must approve applications for search warrants involving property belonging to members of Congress. The department has not publicly detailed its internal approval process in Omar's case. The reported consultation does not establish that those procedures were breached.

Omar, who represents Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, arrived in the United States as a child after her family fled Somalia's civil war. She became a naturalised US citizen in 2000. She has repeatedly rejected longstanding allegations concerning her immigration history.

No evidence publicly released in connection with Monday's search establishes that Omar personally falsified immigration documents.

Omar Accuses Trump Administration of Political Intimidation

Omar's office said the congresswoman had 'done nothing wrong' and condemned the search as an 'outrageous abuse of power'. It accused federal authorities of using law enforcement against political opponents.

In a statement on X, Omar reassured supporters that she was safe. 'I'm ok,' she wrote, adding, 'I will not be silenced.' She also accused Trump of conducting a prolonged campaign against her.

'For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns,' Omar wrote. 'This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation.'

Trump denied directing the search when questioned by reporters on Monday. He said he 'had nothing to do with' the operation, while continuing to criticise the congresswoman. 'I think she's a terrible person, but that's really up to the DOJ,' Trump said.

Senior House Democrats also criticised the operation. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar described the search as 'deeply disturbing'.

They questioned whether federal law enforcement was being used against Trump's political opponents. Their allegations of political retaliation have not been established by an independent finding.

Election Timing Raises Questions Over Ilhan Omar Probe

The search took place just 22 days before the 3 November midterm elections, when Omar is seeking re‑election to Congress. Its timing prompted objections from Democratic leaders, who questioned the decision to conduct an overt investigative operation so close to voting.

Justice Department guidance prohibits investigators from timing enforcement actions to influence elections or favour particular candidates. It does not impose an automatic ban on searches conducted shortly before polling day.

Actions that raise concerns about possible electoral influence require consultation with the Public Integrity Section. The available public record does not establish that the search violated those procedures or that investigators acted for political reasons.

White House border czar Tom Homan had also acknowledged an ongoing investigation in September. He did not publicly identify the specific documents being examined or provide evidence of wrongdoing by Omar.

The Justice Department has not disclosed which immigration records investigators are examining, what evidence was seized or whether criminal charges are being considered. Its public statement confirmed only that the search formed part of an ongoing federal investigation.

Omar continues to deny wrongdoing and maintains that the operation was politically motivated. At the time of publication, no criminal charges against the congresswoman had been publicly announced in the official statements.