175 Democrats Demand Trump Administration Halt Omar Probe
The letter, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, was addressed to Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin and Justice Department chief Todd Blanche. It characterized the investigation into Omar’s immigration history as a partisan effort and urged officials to take no further steps that could affect her reelection bid, which was about a week away.
Federal agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home on October 12 under a court-authorized warrant and seized phones, notebooks and other items. Investigators are examining allegations that Omar or her father misstated her birth year on immigration documents after the family fled Somalia in the late 1990s. The issue could affect whether she qualified for citizenship through her father as a minor or needed to apply independently as an adult.
The Democrats argued the search concerned paperwork filed by Omar’s father while she was a minor, and said the timing risked affecting voters. They also cited Justice Department policy against taking investigative steps close to an election when a delay would not endanger a criminal investigation.
While 175 of the caucus’s 214 members signed, about 40 did not. Among the non-signers were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Josh Gottheimer and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Their absence does not establish support for the investigation or a belief that Omar did anything wrong.
Omar has called the probe a political attack. Republicans, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, have said she should face jail and deportation if the allegations are proven. The departments were asked for comment.
Democrats Warn Omar Search Risks Election Interference
A federal investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar has prompted 175 House Democrats to accuse the Trump administration of using law enforcement in a way that could interfere with an election. In a letter led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the lawmakers demanded that the Justice Department and Homeland Security take no further steps that might affect Omar’s reelection campaign, about a week before voters were due to cast ballots.
Federal agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home on October 12 under a court-authorized warrant and seized phones, notebooks and other items. Investigators are examining whether Omar or her father misstated her birth year on immigration paperwork after the family fled Somalia in the late 1990s. The Democrats said the matter involved records her father submitted during her childhood and challenged the need for a search so close to the election.
The letter said Justice Department policy has long counseled against election-period investigative steps when waiting would not jeopardize a criminal investigation. Its signers described the search’s timing as unacceptable and argued that voters should not have to contend with federal law enforcement actions that could shape their choice.
The letter did not unite the full Democratic caucus: about 40 of its 214 members did not sign. Non-signers included former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Josh Gottheimer and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Their decision does not show that they support the probe or think Omar did anything wrong.
Omar has characterized the inquiry as politically motivated. The probe continues, while the departments were asked for comment. Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has said Omar should be jailed and deported if the allegations are proven.
Democratic Lawmakers Rally Around Omar Amid Federal Probe
House Democrats are pressing the Trump administration to back off its investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar, with 175 lawmakers accusing federal agencies of weaponizing law enforcement. The letter, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, says the search of Omar’s home could influence Minnesota voters about a week before her reelection contest.
Federal agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on October 12 under a court-authorized warrant, taking phones, notebooks and other items. The investigation concerns allegations that Omar or her father misstated her birth year in immigration paperwork after the family fled Somalia in the late 1990s. The question is whether she qualified for citizenship through her father as a minor or needed to apply on her own as an adult.
The Democrats called the probe politically driven and argued that the search was unnecessary for paperwork filed by Omar’s father when she was a minor. They also invoked Justice Department policy on investigative steps near elections, demanding officials avoid further actions that could affect the outcome.
But the letter had no unanimous caucus backing. About 40 of the 214 Democrats did not sign, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reps. Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Josh Gottheimer and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Their absence does not prove they favor the investigation or believe Omar committed wrongdoing, but it shows the demand to halt the probe was not shared by the entire caucus.
Omar has called the investigation a political attack. Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has said she should be jailed and deported if the allegations are proven. The departments were asked for comment.
Reported by Fox News, New York Post, The Daily Wire, Newsweek.
