Ilhan Omar's Lawyers Demand Return of Property Seized in Federal Home Raid, Citing Political Motivation

Lawyers representing U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have formally requested the return of property seized during a federal raid on her Washington, D.C. home. They allege that the U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing a politically motivated investigation and failed to adhere to judicial directives during the search.

"The political motivations behind this pre-election investigation and search are clear as day," Omar's legal team, comprised of Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, stated in a letter to federal prosecutors obtained by The Associated Press. "This search was neither justified nor lawful."

The lawyers challenged the investigation into Omar's immigration history, asserting there is "no legitimate basis for any suggestion that she has violated any law concerning her citizenship status." The letter further accuses federal agents of undermining the separation of powers and disregarding a magistrate judge's instructions for the search conducted at Omar's northeast Washington residence on Monday.

Federal agents searched Omar's home as part of an inquiry into alleged immigration fraud. Authorities reportedly seized her phone and passport and have issued over a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, according to The Washington Post. Omar's legal team also requested that authorities preserve any audio and video recordings from the search.

According to her lawyers, investigators did not provide them with a copy of the warrant in advance, nor did they contact the House of Representatives’ Office of General Counsel. This failure to follow the magistrate judge's orders, they argue, prevented Omar from seeking legal counsel and potentially utilizing legislation to challenge the warrant.

The lawyers emphasized that the procedures outlined by the judge are designed to protect Omar's constitutional rights as a member of Congress and to prevent the seizure of materials related to her legislative duties. They also contended that the investigation's timing, so close to the November midterm elections, indicates political motivation.

"Historically, the Department has refrained from this type of investigative activity so close to an election, so as to avoid even the appearance of politically motivated law enforcement actions," the letter stated.

The Justice Department has refuted these claims, with spokesperson Emily Covington describing the letter as "riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies." Covington added, "Our attorneys and law enforcement partners complied with all court orders and legal obligations, as they always do."

Ilhan Omar, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2000 after fleeing Somalia as a child, has previously addressed allegations regarding her immigration status, which were also examined in 2019 during the Trump administration. Her lawyers have requested records pertaining to that earlier inquiry, which The Washington Post reported found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing to warrant a full investigation.

The scope of the current investigation remains undisclosed. The search occurred shortly after former President Trump criticized Omar at a rally in Tennessee. Trump has since denied any involvement in the search, stating it was "really up to the DOJ."