Omar’s phone seized, relatives subpoenaed in inquiry, source says

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Federal authorities have seized Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar’s phone and issued over a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to her relatives, as part of an investigation into possible immigration fraud and other potential offenses. The inquiry, which includes a search of Omar’s Washington, D.C. residence shortly before the midterm elections, has sparked accusations of political targeting amid ongoing scrutiny of her family’s immigration paperwork and financial disclosures.

Federal authorities have seized the phone of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential immigration fraud, according to sources familiar with the inquiry. The subpoenas are associated with a grand jury convened in Minnesota to collect evidence related to the case.

The search of Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence by federal agents took place on Monday, just weeks ahead of the November midterm elections, in which Omar is seeking reelection. The probe’s full scope has not been publicly disclosed, but Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin indicated that the inquiry centers on possible offenses connected to Omar’s family immigration paperwork.

In addition to immigration-related questions, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, stated in a television interview that multiple investigations involving Omar are underway, including a review of her financial disclosures. “If there was a crime that was committed, it will be prosecuted,” Pirro said.

The timing of the search has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who accused the federal government of using law enforcement powers for political purposes during a sensitive election period. Omar denounced the action on social media platform X, characterizing it as “an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.” She further framed the probe as part of a sustained campaign of political intimidation, referencing prior attacks she faced during the previous administration.

Historically, the Department of Justice has sought to avoid making public investigative actions involving candidates within 60 days of an election to prevent influencing electoral outcomes. Omar, first elected to the House in 2018, represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis. She is a member of a group of progressive lawmakers known as “the Squad” and is recognized as one of the first two Muslim American women elected to Congress as well as the first African refugee to serve in the chamber.

As of now, Omar’s office has not responded publicly to the latest developments. The investigation follows years of scrutiny related to her background, although the recent legal measures coincide closely with the upcoming midterm contests that will determine control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.