On Monday, federal agents seized Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar’s phone and issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas to her relatives during a search of her Washington, D.C. residence. The operation unfolded just weeks before the November midterms, when Omar is campaigning for reelection.
The subpoenas are part of a grand jury effort to collect evidence on alleged fraud in immigration paperwork linked to Omar’s family. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said authorities were examining possible crimes related to her relatives’ immigration status.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told Fox News that "there are several investigations" involving Omar, including probes into her financial disclosures. She added that any crimes discovered would be prosecuted.
Omar slammed the search as a political attack, calling it an attempt to weaponize federal law enforcement. She warned that the move was part of a long‑running smear campaign that began in 2017.
The Justice Department usually restrains public investigative actions within 60 days of an election, but the timing of this probe raises questions about intent. Omar represents Minnesota’s 5th district, which includes Minneapolis and has a diverse immigrant population.
The grand jury will present its findings to a federal judge in May, and if evidence of fraud emerges, Omar could face criminal charges before the November vote.