Federal Agents Raid Rep. Ilhan Omar's Home in Immigration Fraud Investigation

Federal agents raided Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C., home before dawn on Monday, October 12, 2026, as part of an investigation into possible immigration fraud, just 22 days before the Minnesota congresswoman faces reelection.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, executed a search warrant secured by federal prosecutors. The Justice Department confirmed the operation was part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

The inquiry reportedly centers on documents completed by Omar's late father when she was a child, following the family's flight from Somalia to seek refuge in the United States. Born in Mogadishu, Omar arrived in the country as a refugee in the 1990s and became a naturalized American citizen in 2000.

White House border czar Tom Homan acknowledged an ongoing criminal investigation involving Omar in September, saying immigration authorities were examining allegations that had previously surfaced. The congresswoman said at the time that federal investigators had not contacted her.

Vice President JD Vance had also called for authorities to examine allegations concerning Omar's immigration history and pursue charges if investigators uncovered evidence of wrongdoing. Omar has repeatedly denied accusations of immigration fraud and described claims involving her citizenship and family relationships as politically motivated.

Federal prosecutors obtained judicial authorization for Monday's search, requiring a judge to find probable cause that evidence of a crime would be discovered at the residence. The warrant permitted agents to search for specified materials, although Omar has not been charged in connection with the investigation. The supporting documents remain undisclosed, leaving the precise scope of the search unclear.

Prosecutors seeking a warrant involving a sitting member of Congress also face additional Justice Department oversight. Under Section 9-85.110 of the department's Justice Manual, they must obtain approval from the Public Integrity Section before applying for a warrant covering a lawmaker's property. The provision also requires elevated review within the prosecuting office, with U.S. Attorney approval required where Public Integrity Section approval is necessary.

The additional review applies independently of a judge's determination of probable cause. It requires prosecutors to obtain internal authorization before pursuing certain investigative measures involving members of Congress, including searches of their property or records.

Omar's home was searched 22 days before the November 3 midterm elections, when she is seeking another term representing Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. Under Section 9-85.500 of the Justice Manual, federal prosecutors and agents are prohibited from timing investigative actions to influence an election or benefit a candidate or political party.

The policy also requires consultation with the Public Integrity Section when an investigative step could raise concerns about electoral interference. Federal investigations may proceed during campaign periods, but the timing of those actions must be based on legitimate law enforcement considerations.

The raid drew criticism from congressional Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who accused the Trump administration of using federal law enforcement against political opponents. The search also comes after years of public disputes between Omar and President Donald Trump over immigration enforcement and allegations concerning her background.

Omar, who became the first Somali American elected to Congress in 2018, accused Trump of using federal agencies to target her and described the investigation as politically motivated. She maintained that she would continue speaking out against his administration.