Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone seized and relatives subpoenaed in criminal probe, report says

Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone seized and relatives subpoenaed in criminal probe, report says Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary has suggested that authorities are examining potential crimes related to her family’s immigration paperwork - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar’s phone was seized and more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas have been issued, including to some of her relatives, as part of a federal investigation into the Democratic lawmaker, according to a new report. The subpoenas were issued for a grand jury collecting evidence in Minnesota as federal authorities probe potential fraud in Omar's immigration paperwork, a source told The Associated Press. The investigation led to federal agents searching Omar's Washington, D.C. home on Monday, just weeks before the November midterms in which Omar is seeking reelection. The scope of the investigation into Omar is unclear, though Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has suggested that authorities were examining potential crimes related to her family’s immigration paperwork. On Tuesday, Washington D.C. U.S Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a Fox News interview that “there are several investigations going on" related to Omar and that her office is also probing issues concerning the lawmaker's financial disclosures. “If there was a crime that was committed, it will be prosecuted,” Pirro said. The search of Omar's home so close to next month’s midterm contests that will determine control of the House and the Senate was swiftly condemned by Democrats, who accused the administration of targeting the Democrat for political purposes. Omar, in a statement on X, called the search an “attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.” “For 10 years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation,” she said. “I will not be silenced.” Though the Republican focus on Omar’s background dates back years, the search notably took place three weeks before the November midterms, in which Omar is seeking reelection. The Justice Department has historically sought to avoid public investigative actions involving a candidate within 60 days of a primary or general election. Omar, who was first elected to the House in 2018, represents Minnesota’s 5th District, including Minneapolis. She is part of The Squad of progressive lawmakers who are a vibrant political force on the left wing of Congress but have also endured repeated attacks from Trump, dating back to his first term. She was one of the first two Muslim-American women in the House and the first African refugee to be elected to Congress. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments