Immigration Agents Search Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Home

Omar, an outspoken Trump critic, said the search was “an attempt to target political enemies” and that Omar “will not be silenced.”

By Kwasi Gyamfi Asido reporting from Washington

US immigration agents searched the home of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar as part of a criminal investigation.

A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a "judicially authorized search warrant" for the property in the Washington, DC area.

The spokesman said the search was "part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation," but did not provide further details. The US Congress is currently out of session and it is not clear if Omar was at home or not.

Omar, a Democrat and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, described the social media search as "an attempt to target political enemies and arm federal law enforcement."

Omar said in this post: Trump has been targeting me with baseless lies and smear campaigns for ten years.

This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silent."

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he had "nothing to do" with the Justice Department's investigation into Omar, calling him "suspicious" and a "terrible person."

"He comes from a country that is a non-country," the Republican president said of the Somali-born congressman.

And then he comes here and complains about our constitution.

Omar's communications director, Jacqueline Rogers, called Monday morning's raid an "outrageous abuse of power" by the Trump administration, and said the congresswoman "did nothing wrong."

The nature of the criminal investigation remains unclear.

A BBC crew saw several agents at Omar's house carrying a number of boxes into a van.

The timing of the attack — 22 days before November's midterm elections, which will determine the balance of power in Congress for the next two years — worried Omar's fellow Democrats.

The Justice Department has a long-standing policy of refraining from most executive actions that are "likely to raise an issue or impression" intended to influence any election or harm a candidate.

Leading House Democrats said in a statement that Omar has long been the target of "vicious personal attacks and baseless accusations" by Trump.

"Now, less than 30 days before the midterm elections, his violent mass deportation car has driven into the home of an elected member of Congress and his family," they said.

Omar's immigration record has been scrutinized by Republicans in the past, and earlier this year, a member of Congress, Nancy Mays of South Carolina, unsuccessfully subpoenaed his records.

Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Marquin Mullin told a conservative podcast, "Something is going to happen" and leveled allegations of marital fraud against Omar.

Omar denied the allegations last month.

"I'll say it again to be as clear as possible: I am not concerned at all with these investigations, because they are complete fabrications."

Trump had previously suggested that Omar "should go back to Somalia" and that he should be deported. U.S. citizenship is required to be a member of the House.

Omar responded to Trump's insults and attacks and described them as "unhealthy and terrible obsessions".

The president has also addressed the Somali-American community. Last week, he wrote on social media that Minnesota was "overrun by Somali immigrants" and that "the people of Minnesota must fight back."

Some Republicans celebrated Monday's search.

"No one is above the law," said Tom Emmer, who also represents Minnesota in the House of Representatives. We look forward to learning more about this attack and the investigation. Answer is coming!"

Omar is the first Somali-American to be elected to the House of Representatives and represents a district in the Minneapolis area. She and Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib were the first Muslim women to enter Congress.

Two years ago, Omar won the election again with 74% of the votes.

Senior political leaders in Minnesota have criticized the search.

"Americans see it right — President Trump is abusing his power to go after political opponents weeks before the election," said Gov. Tim Walls, a fellow Democrat.

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith called it "a clear attempt to interfere in our elections."