US federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s home in criminal investigation

US federal agents have searched the Washington-area home of Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

The US Department of Justice confirmed that agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorised search warrant at the Minnesota lawmaker’s home.

No charges against Omar had been announced as of the latest reporting.

Investigation reportedly linked to immigration paperwork

Reuters reported that the investigation concerns immigration paperwork originally filed by Omar’s late father when she was a child.

However, the Justice Department has not publicly disclosed detailed allegations or confirmed the precise scope of the investigation. AP reported that officials confirmed the search but declined to identify specifically what investigators were seeking.

That distinction matters because longstanding political allegations involving Omar’s immigration history have circulated for years, many of which she has denied.

A search warrant also does not establish that a crime occurred or that Omar herself will ultimately be charged.

Search comes weeks before US midterm elections

The raid comes just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, adding a significant political dimension to the investigation.

Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, is one of the most prominent progressive Democrats in Congress and has frequently clashed with President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders.

Trump and senior administration figures have previously criticised Omar over immigration and other political issues.

Omar has repeatedly rejected allegations of immigration wrongdoing and has accused political opponents of spreading false claims about her history.

Neither Homeland Security Investigations nor the Justice Department has publicly announced the next stage of the investigation.