Search Warrant in Omar Home Raid Targeted Immigration Fraud and Conspiracy, Report Says
The warrant federal agents executed at Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington-area home listed potential immigration crimes, including false statements and fraud in immigration paperwork, plus a general conspiracy charge, The New York Times reports. The search came 22 days before the midterms.
The search warrant federal agents executed Monday at the Washington-area home of Rep. Ilhan Omar listed potential immigration crimes, including false statements and fraud in immigration paperwork, plus a general conspiracy charge, according to The New York Times.
The Times reported that the first warrant application was submitted more than a week before Monday’s search and was approved only after back-and-forth between prosecutors and the federal judge, including discussion of constitutional issues such as the speech or debate clause given Omar’s status as a member of Congress.
The search, carried out by Homeland Security Investigations agents early Monday, came 22 days before the midterm elections on Nov. 3, within the 60-day window in which the Justice Department has historically avoided investigative steps involving political candidates, the Times reported. USA Today noted that the search appears to run counter to longstanding department policy advising prosecutors to avoid unnecessary actions within 60 days of an election that could affect the election.
Trump denies involvement
President Donald Trump told reporters Monday that he had no involvement in or prior knowledge of the search, according to USA Today. “Well, I understand they’re looking at her very carefully. I’ve always found her to be totally crooked personally, but that has nothing to do with me,” Trump said as he departed the White House for a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio. “I think she’s a terrible person, but that’s really up to the DOJ. I have nothing to do with it.”
The Justice Department confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations “executed a judicially authorized search warrant” at a Washington-area home as “part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation,” according to USA Today.
Broader investigation continues
The Times reported that investigators have also sought to look into other matters beyond the immigration paperwork, including Omar’s finances, campaign funds and interactions with a foreign citizen. No charges had been filed as of the Times’ publication. Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, has denied wrongdoing.
Reporting based on coverage by The New York Times and USA Today.
