Federal agents searched the Washington, D.C. home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar on Monday, an action the Minnesota lawmaker described as an "attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement."
In a social media post, Omar stated, "For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced."
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations executed a "judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice" as part of an "ongoing federal criminal investigation." Further details were not immediately provided.
According to Reuters, a source familiar with the investigation indicated it is related to alleged immigration fraud, with some aspects concerning immigration paperwork filed by Omar's late father when she was a child. TIME has not independently verified this information.
This is not the first time Omar's immigration records have drawn scrutiny. Earlier this year, Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina attempted to subpoena Omar's records. Additionally, in a Fox News appearance last month, White House border czar Tom Homan stated Omar was the subject of an "ongoing criminal investigation," though he declined to provide specifics.
Democrats have condemned the search. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz characterized the action as President Trump "abus[ing] his power to go after political opponents weeks before an election." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the raid "deeply disturbing" and suggested it raises "serious questions about the continued corrupt weaponization of the federal government" against political adversaries. This sentiment was echoed by House minority whip Rep. Katherine Clark and Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
President Donald Trump has frequently targeted Omar, often referencing her birthplace of Somalia in his anti-immigration speeches. During a speech in Pennsylvania last December, Trump made disparaging remarks about Omar, prompting chants of "send her back" from the crowd. Omar responded at the time by calling Trump's "obsession" with her "beyond weird" and accusing him of resorting to "bigoted lies" due to a lack of economic policies to promote.