Search at Ilhan Omar's home

Federal agents searched the home of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic congresswoman of Somali origin, in Washington, according to Tom Homan, a senior official involved in immigration enforcement. Homan confirmed the search took place and said the investigation had been ongoing for some time, though he provided no further details.

Previous confirmation of investigation

Homan had previously confirmed in September that immigration authorities were investigating Ilhan Omar, though he did not elaborate at that time. The search conducted on Monday was carried out by agents from the investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

Focus of the investigation

The investigation centers on the circumstances surrounding Ilhan Omar’s acquisition of U.S. citizenship. Omar arrived in the United States as a child from Somalia with her family. The inquiry specifically looks at documents submitted by her father, who has since died, according to the same sources.

No immediate response from authorities

When contacted by AFP, the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond, nor did Ilhan Omar herself. The search comes three weeks before the midterm elections, which are expected to be challenging for Republicans, the party of former President Donald Trump.

Broader campaign against foreign voters

The search aligns with a recent campaign by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security targeting foreigners who have voted in past U.S. elections or attempted to do so. Donald Trump and the Republican party frequently raise concerns about mass voting by foreigners, though such instances are considered extremely rare by official statistics.

Omar under scrutiny by Trump

Ilhan Omar, who is regularly targeted by Donald Trump, is at the center of an investigation into the conditions under which she obtained her American citizenship. The timing of the search has drawn attention given the political climate ahead of the midterm elections.