Rep. Ilhan Omar says she will move out of her Washington home after a federal search and threats
Federal agents searched the Minnesota Democrat's home on Oct. 12 under a warrant the Justice Department says a judge approved. The scope of the investigation has not been made public.
Homeland Security agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar's home in Washington before dawn on Oct. 12, executing what the Justice Department called "a judicially authorized search warrant," Axios reported. The department described an ongoing federal criminal investigation and has not said publicly what it covers. Agents seized her phone, MPR News reported.
Officials have pointed to two lines of inquiry. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin referred to possible fraud in her family's immigration paperwork, and Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said her office is looking at Omar's financial disclosures, according to MPR News. The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration's ultimate aim is to strip Omar of her citizenship and deport her; Omar's lawyers say there is "no legitimate basis" for any suggestion she violated a law on her citizenship, and say she was naturalized in 2000.
On Oct. 21 Omar said the search is meant to intimidate her before the midterms and said she will have to move because of threats, NBC News and The Hill reported. House Democratic leaders called the search "deeply disturbing." President Trump said authorities are looking at Omar "very carefully."
What is established
- The search took place on Oct. 12 under a court approved warrant, according to the Justice Department.
- No charges have been announced.
- The Justice Department has long avoided public steps against candidates within 60 days of an election, MPR News noted; Omar is on the Nov. 3 ballot.
What each side says
Officials describe a criminal investigation that may involve immigration paperwork and financial disclosures.
The search is political retaliation; she has "done nothing wrong," her spokesperson said, and she will not be silenced.
How it was covered
Left 5 reports
Coverage led with Omar's account of the search, the timing before the election and threats against her.
- NPRFederal agents search Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C., home
- NBC NewsRep. Ilhan Omar details federal search of her D.C. home, says she'll move for safety
- MPR NewsRep. Ilhan Omar says she won't be 'intimidated' by federal investigation
- MS NOWRep. Ilhan Omar says she 'will not be silenced' after federal agents search home
- Al JazeeraIlhan Omar home raid, Haines attack: Inside rise in violence on officials
Center 3 reports
Coverage led with what officials have and have not confirmed about the investigation.
Right 1 report
Coverage focused on the subject of the investigation, including long running questions about Omar's marriage and immigration history.