Federal agents seized Rep. Ilhan Omar’s phone during a Washington, D.C., home search this week as part of a federal investigation into potential immigration-related crimes, according to two people familiar with the case. Separately, roughly a dozen subpoenas were issued, including to family members, tied to a federal grand jury in Minnesota, Omar’s home state.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are leading the probe, which includes possible charges of conspiracy and making false statements in immigration paperwork, one source said. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia confirmed a second investigation into Omar’s finances, following reports of her multimillion-dollar net worth since entering Congress.
Core Developments
Federal agents executed a judicial search warrant at Omar’s D.C. residence on Monday, seizing her phone. The warrant was signed by a judge, who determined there was probable cause for the search, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The immigration-related investigation centers on Omar’s childhood immigration paperwork, filled out by her late father, while the financial probe examines her reported net worth changes.
Subpoenas and Targets
The grand jury subpoenas were issued to Omar’s family members, including her sister Sahra Noor, though authorities have not yet reached her. Omar herself was not subpoenaed, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The subpoenas seek information related to the Minnesota-based grand jury, which is overseeing the case.
Legal and Constitutional Considerations
The seizure of a sitting member of Congress’s phone typically triggers protocols to ensure investigators do not infringe on the “speech or debate” clause of the U.S. Constitution, which protects legislative acts. The DOJ declined to comment on the investigation, while a spokesperson for Omar did not respond to requests for comment.
Political and Historical Context
The search occurred three weeks before the midterms, a period when the DOJ has historically avoided overt actions in criminal cases that could influence elections. Omar has denied wrongdoing, calling the raid “political intimidation” and vowing “not to be silenced.” The investigation follows years of accusations from Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who suggested “legal remedies” for alleged immigration fraud without providing evidence.
Financial Investigation Details
The financial probe, confirmed by Pirro, examines Omar’s reported net worth increase since her election to Congress. Reports indicate her official birth year was changed in public records from 1981 to 1982 after she took office. Pirro stated the evidence must have been compelling for a judge to approve the warrant, emphasizing that probable cause was established.
Agency Roles and Responses
The DOJ, HSI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis are jointly conducting the immigration-related investigation, while the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office leads the financial probe. Mullin, the Homeland Security Secretary, dismissed claims that the case was politically motivated, stating that cases proceed only when wrongdoing is substantiated. Pirro, however, did not rule out the possibility of multiple investigations moving forward simultaneously.