Rep. Ilhan Omar contests legality of federal search of her home

Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar has filed a letter with the Justice Department contesting a recent search of her Washington, D.C., home that was carried out under an immigration-fraud investigation. The letter, obtained by CNN, argues that the investigation targets one of President Donald Trump’s chief congressional critics and violates Omar’s constitutional protections.

The search, executed on Monday after a federal magistrate approved a warrant, focused on alleged false statements on government documents and a possible conspiracy. Omar’s attorneys, Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, wrote that the warrant was “vindictive, retributive, and politically motivated” and that it infringed on the congresswoman’s rights, including those under the Speech or Debate Clause.

"This vindictive, retributive, and politically motivated criminal investigation into one of the President’s chief congressional critics violates Representative Omar’s constitutional rights and threatens the separation of powers," the attorneys said.

The lawyers also noted procedural concerns, such as the House Office of General Counsel not being notified until after the search became public and the absence of a Justice Department official to read Omar her privileges. They requested that all audio and video recordings made during the search be preserved and that any materials protected by the Speech or Debate Clause be identified.

Omar, a naturalized citizen since 2000 after fleeing Somalia, denied any wrongdoing related to her citizenship status. The attorneys highlighted that the search occurred less than three weeks before Election Day, a timing they described as historically unusual for such investigative actions.

The Justice Department has not responded to requests for comment.