US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she plans to move out of her Washington, DC, home after federal agents searched the property as part of a criminal investigation.
The Somali-born lawmaker said the raid had left her feeling unsafe, prompting her decision to find another residence.
Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota, has denied wrongdoing and accused President Donald Trump’s administration of political intimidation.
The search comes just weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, raising questions among Democrats about the timing of the investigation.
Federal agents search Omar’s home
Federal investigators searched Omar’s Washington residence last week under a warrant authorised by a judge.
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that the operation formed part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.
According to Omar, Homeland Security investigators arrived at approximately 6am and searched the property for four to five hours.
Speaking to MS NOW on Wednesday, she said agents removed 17 items from the home.
The seized belongings reportedly included mobile phones, notebooks, a Somali-language children’s book and a vintage camera belonging to her husband.
Omar described the agents as polite but intrusive.
She said investigators documented the belongings they seized and returned other items to their original places.
Omar denies immigration fraud allegations
The investigation reportedly concerns allegations involving Omar’s immigration history.
NBC News, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that potential charges could include conspiracy and making false statements in immigration documents.
However, no charges were reported in the account published on October 23.
Omar has firmly rejected suggestions that she committed immigration fraud.
The congresswoman arrived in the United States from Somalia with her family at the age of 12 after they received asylum.
She subsequently became a naturalised American citizen in 2000.
During her interview, Omar questioned the suggestion that she could have participated in an immigration conspiracy as a child.
She maintained that she had done nothing wrong and expressed confidence in her position.
Safety concerns prompt decision to move
Omar said the search had affected her sense of security at her Washington residence.
The congresswoman announced that she intended to leave the property following the incident.
Her comments marked her first detailed public account of the federal operation.
Omar has faced years of political criticism and personal attacks, including allegations concerning her immigration history.
She has repeatedly denied conspiracy theories alleging that she married her brother to facilitate immigration benefits.
Those claims have circulated among some conservative commentators and political opponents.
Omar has described the accusations as false and offensive.
Trump renews criticism of congresswoman
President Donald Trump has frequently criticised Omar, who is among his most prominent political opponents in Congress.
Earlier this week, Trump again attacked the Minnesota Democrat, questioning her honesty and making disparaging remarks about Somalia.
Omar has accused the administration of using federal authorities to intimidate political opponents.
However, the Justice Department has described the search as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
The existence of a judicially authorised search warrant does not establish criminal wrongdoing.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the full scope of the investigation or announced whether charges will follow.
Democrats question timing before elections
The raid has prompted criticism from congressional Democrats, who have raised concerns about its proximity to the November 3 midterm elections.
The vote will determine control of the US House of Representatives and Senate.
Omar is seeking re-election in a Democratic-leaning district in Minneapolis.
Democratic lawmakers have questioned whether the timing of the investigation could affect the political environment ahead of the vote.
The Justice Department has traditionally exercised caution over overt investigative actions involving election candidates close to polling day.
Nevertheless, the department has not publicly acknowledged any political motivation behind the search.
Investigation remains ongoing
Omar has maintained her innocence while preparing to leave her Washington residence.
The congresswoman says she remains confident that she has not violated immigration laws.
Federal authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but have released limited information about its findings.
No criminal charges against Omar were reported in the source account.
The case is likely to remain under scrutiny as the United States approaches its midterm elections, with questions surrounding the investigation and its political implications continuing to draw attention.