Photo: BBC
Bangla Press Desk: Federal authorities have seized the mobile phone of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic representative from the U.S. state of Minnesota, as part of an ongoing investigation. Additionally, grand jury subpoenas have been issued to more than a dozen individuals, including several of her relatives.
News outlets reported this information, citing a source familiar with the investigation. The source, who requested anonymity, stated that the subpoenas were issued to gather evidence for a grand jury in Minnesota. According to NDTV, federal officials are examining whether there was any fraud involving Omar’s immigration documents. The source chose to remain anonymous, as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
As part of this probe, federal agents searched Omar’s residence in Washington, D.C., on Monday. This development comes just weeks before the midterm elections in November, in which Omar is seeking re-election to the House of Representatives. The full scope of the investigation remains unclear.
However, U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin has indicated that officials are looking into potential criminal activity related to the immigration records of Omar’s family.
In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Jeanine Pirro—a former prosecutor—noted that "several investigations" are underway concerning Omar. Her financial records are also reportedly being examined.
"If a crime has been committed, it will be prosecuted," Pirro stated. Specific details regarding the nature of the alleged irregularities under investigation have not been disclosed.
Democrats have condemned the search of Omar’s home, which occurred only weeks before the election, alleging that the administration is targeting her for political purposes.
The November midterm elections will determine which party gains control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Omar described the search as "an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement for political purposes." She stated, "For the past 10 years, Trump has targeted me with baseless, false accusations and smear campaigns. This is the latest move in his attempt to use political intimidation. I will not be silenced." A message seeking comment was left via phone with a representative for Omar on Wednesday.
Republicans have long taken an interest in Omar’s family background. However, this search comes just three weeks before the midterm elections, in which she is running for re-election to the House of Representatives.
Historically, the U.S. Department of Justice has sought to avoid taking overt investigative actions within 60 days of a primary or general election in which a candidate is involved. Ilhan Omar was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. She represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes the city of Minneapolis.
Omar is a member of "The Squad," a group of progressive lawmakers in Congress that holds a prominent position within the progressive wing of the legislative body. Since Donald Trump’s first term, members of this group have frequently been targets of his attacks. Omar is one of the first two Muslim-American women elected to the House of Representatives and the first refugee from Africa to serve in the U.S. Congress.
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