Federal Agents Seize Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Phone, Subpoena Family Members in Immigration Investigation

Federal investigators are examining possible immigration-related violations involving the Minnesota congresswoman, as the timing of the investigation raises questions about political interference.

Federal agents reportedly seized Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar’s cellphone during a search of her Washington, D.C., home this week as part of an investigation into potential immigration-related offenses. Authorities have also issued approximately a dozen subpoenas, including several directed at members of her family, according to individuals familiar with the case.

The investigation reportedly involves possible allegations of conspiracy and false statements in immigration documents.

The search took place just three weeks before the midterm elections, during a period when the Justice Department traditionally avoids investigative actions that could influence electoral outcomes.

The seizure of a sitting congresswoman’s phone also raises constitutional considerations. The Speech or Debate Clause protects lawmakers from being questioned about legitimate legislative activities, requiring special precautions when investigators obtain materials that may contain congressional communications.

Approximately a dozen subpoenas were reportedly issued on Friday, including to Omar’s relatives. The requests are connected to a federal grand jury in Minnesota, the state she represents.

Omar herself was not subpoenaed, although investigators reportedly want to interview her sister, whom they had not yet reached.

The investigation is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations, federal prosecutors in Minneapolis, and the Justice Department.

Neither Omar’s office nor federal authorities provided substantive public details about the allegations in the original account.

Omar, however, strongly condemned the investigation in a statement published Monday, describing it as an attempt to intimidate political opponents.

“Make no mistake: this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement,” she wrote.

The congresswoman accused President Donald Trump of conducting a years-long campaign against her through accusations and political attacks, describing the latest developments as another escalation.

According to individuals familiar with the investigation, federal authorities are reviewing documents, witness testimony, and information from whistleblowers concerning Omar’s immigration history.

Investigators are reportedly examining details surrounding her immigration status, including her birthdate.

Omar was born in Somalia and immigrated to the United States with her family during the 1990s. She became a naturalized American citizen at age 17, when minors could obtain citizenship through a qualifying parent under applicable immigration laws.

The investigation could face legal complications because many federal offenses are subject to a five-year statute of limitations. However, authorities could examine more recent actions involving Omar or her relatives if those actions fall within the relevant legal timeframe.

Omar, a prominent member of the progressive congressional group known as “the Squad,” has frequently faced criticism from Trump over her political positions and Somali heritage.

Asked Monday whether he had advance knowledge of the search, Trump said federal authorities were examining Omar closely while repeating his criticism of the congresswoman.

“I think she’s a terrible person, but that’s really up to the DOJ,” Trump said.

Later that evening, during a Republican rally in Ohio, Trump again attacked Omar, criticizing her background and questioning her public statements about constitutional rights.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had also suggested the possibility of federal action against Omar the previous month, saying investigators were continuing their work.

Mullin maintained that any prosecution would be based on alleged legal violations rather than political motivations.

“If we actually move a case forward, it’s not a political case,” he said, arguing that individuals who provide false information during immigration proceedings could face legal consequences.

The investigation comes amid longstanding political tensions between Omar and Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the congresswoman and other progressive lawmakers.

Although federal authorities are reportedly examining potential criminal violations, the existence of an investigation does not establish wrongdoing.

For now, questions remain about the evidence gathered, whether prosecutors will pursue charges, and how the investigation could affect the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.