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US agents search Trump critic Ilhan Omar's home
Published : Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
US federal agents searched Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s Washington home as part of an alleged immigration fraud probe, prompting Democrats to accuse the Trump administration of targeting political opponents ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The US Department of Justice said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) had executed a court-authorised search warrant in the Washington, DC, area. It did not disclose further details about the investigation.
Reuters, citing an unidentified person familiar with the probe, reported that investigators were examining possible immigration fraud involving paperwork completed by Omar's late father when she was a child.
Omar, a Somali-born US citizen who represents Minnesota, accused President Donald Trump of using federal agencies to intimidate his political opponents.
In a social media post, she said Trump had targeted her with what she described as baseless allegations and smear campaigns for the past decade. She vowed not to be silenced.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Omar, who became a US citizen in 2000. Speaking at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, he attacked Somalia and urged supporters to vote Republican, saying the party would protect states such as Minnesota from what he described as destruction.
The search prompted sharp reactions from Democratic leaders. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Representatives Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, described the operation as deeply disturbing and raised concerns about the use of federal law enforcement against political adversaries.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also criticised the search, accusing Trump of targeting a political opponent ahead of the election.
Some Republicans defended scrutiny of the allegations. Representative Nancy Mace said Omar's citizenship should be revoked if immigration fraud were proven. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed evidence establishing the allegations.
The timing of the search has also raised questions about Justice Department practices. The department has traditionally sought to avoid overt investigative actions involving political candidates in the 60 days before an election.
Randall Eliason, a law professor at George Washington University and a former federal prosecutor, said the operation appeared inconsistent with the department's past approach to politically sensitive investigations near elections. The policy, however, does not carry an effective enforcement mechanism, he noted.
Omar is seeking a fifth term representing Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and is considered strongly Democratic. Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.
The congresswoman has faced repeated attacks over her Somali background and immigration history. She has also said that hostile political rhetoric has contributed to death threats against her and her family.
Last month, a Minnesota man, Anthony James Kazmierczak, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after admitting to spraying vinegar on Omar during an event. He said he attacked her because he disagreed with her progressive political views.
Authorities have not indicated whether that incident is connected to the investigation involving Omar's home.
-EM/SA
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Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
