Key facts
- Attorneys for Rep. Ilhan Omar stated the federal search of her home was "neither justified nor lawful."
- The Justice Department stated its actions complied with all court orders and legal obligations.
- The search is reportedly related to a criminal fraud investigation concerning Omar's immigration paperwork.
- Omar's attorneys accused the Justice Department of politically motivated investigation and violating election influence policies.
Attorneys for Representative Ilhan Omar have formally requested the return of property seized during a federal search of her home, asserting that the action was "neither justified nor lawful." The lawyers for the Minnesota Democrat conveyed this in a letter, which the Associated Press reported on Friday. The federal investigation into Omar was initiated shortly before the November midterm elections, in which Omar is a candidate. Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of misusing his presidential authority to target a political adversary. Omar's legal team also claimed the Justice Department violated its policy against influencing elections and questioned whether investigators followed the magistrate judge's instructions. The Justice Department, through spokesperson Emily Covington, dismissed the defense team's letter as containing "false allegations and inaccuracies," affirming that law enforcement adhered to all legal requirements and court orders. The search is reportedly linked to a criminal fraud investigation concerning Omar's immigration paperwork, which her father completed when she was a child. Omar has denied allegations related to her citizenship status and has characterized the search as a politically motivated attempt to intimidate political opponents.