Federal Officers Search Ilhan Omar's House in Early-Morning Raid

Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C. home of Rep. Ilhan Omar early Monday, October 12, as part of a criminal investigation.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the criminal investigative arm of ICE, carried out the search. A neighbor told CNN they were woken around 4:30 a.m. by banging on doors. Agents were later seen carrying boxes from the home to an unmarked car.

The Justice Department confirmed the search and said agents executed a judicially authorized warrant secured by the department as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. That means a federal judge reviewed the government's evidence and found probable cause before agents could enter. Sources told CBS News the probe concerns immigration paperwork completed by Omar's late father when she was a child, and that investigators are examining possible false statements and immigration fraud. Attorney General Todd Blanche was personally aware of the search, according to reports, and the department's Public Integrity Section, which handles cases involving elected officials, was consulted. White House border czar Tom Homan had earlier confirmed a federal criminal investigation involving Omar.

Omar has not been charged with any crime, and officials have not said what charges, if any, may follow. Her office said she has done nothing wrong and called the search an outrageous abuse of power. Omar posted that she was okay and that she "will not be silenced." House Democratic leaders issued a joint statement calling the search "deeply disturbing." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X that she stands with Omar, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal called it an abuse of power. Rep. Rashida Tlaib called it "exactly what a fascist police state does."

President Trump told reporters he had nothing to do with the search and that the matter was up to the Justice Department. Earlier, asked about Omar, he said officials were looking at her "very carefully." Vice President JD Vance also denied any White House role.

The search is the latest clash between the administration and members of the progressive group known as the Squad, which includes Omar, Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib. Omar first won her House seat in 2018 and is the first Somali American elected to Congress.

Questions about Omar's immigration history have circulated for years, and she has long rejected them. What is new is a criminal investigation backed by a signed warrant and a search of her home.

The timing is now part of the story. The Minnesota Democrat is running for reelection in the November 3 midterms, three weeks away. It is unusual for the Justice Department to take such an aggressive step toward a candidate this close to an election. Supporters of the investigation say no one is above the law, including members of Congress. Critics say the calendar alone sends a message to voters. What happens next depends on what investigators found and whether prosecutors decide to file charges.

Do you think this investigation should go forward before the election? YES OR NO?