Democrats Urge DOJ to Halt Probe into Rep. Ilhan Omar Ahead of Election

More than 175 House Democrats have called on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to cease their investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar's immigration history, warning that the probe could interfere with her upcoming re-election campaign.

The lawmakers, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Attorney General Todd Blanche, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated attack.

"Congresswoman Omar is seeking reelection in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district in just one week," the letter stated. "News of the search warrant, whether properly predicated or not, could affect voters’ decisions, which is exactly why federal law enforcement should not engage in such conduct when voters are casting their ballots."

Federal agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant at Omar's Washington, D.C., home on October 12, reportedly seizing phones and notebooks. The investigation is reportedly focused on allegations that Omar or her father provided false information on immigration paperwork when her family fled Somalia. Democrats argue that the timing of the investigation, just weeks before an election, is an unprecedented and unacceptable use of law enforcement.

"This weaponization of law enforcement to harass a sitting Member of Congress 22 days before an election is unprecedented and unacceptable," the Democrats wrote, referencing a DOJ policy to avoid investigative steps close to an election unless necessary to prevent jeopardizing an investigation.

They accused the DOJ of having "disgraced the offices you hold" and demanded an end to further actions that could impact the election's outcome.

Omar, a vocal critic of former President Trump, has previously suggested the probe was a political tactic to intimidate voters. Meanwhile, some Republicans, like House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., have stated that Omar should face legal consequences, including potential deportation, if the allegations are proven true.