The warrant, signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh, listed conspiracy, false statements on immigration paperwork, and fraud as potential charges. It did not disclose the evidence that triggered the search.
Omar, a Minnesota congresswoman, became a U.S. citizen in 2000 after fleeing civil war in Somalia as a child. Her background has made her a frequent target of political attacks.
Former President Donald Trump said he wanted her citizenship revoked, echoing comments from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The comments were made in a speech to the GOP convention.
Omar’s spokesperson accused the raid of political intimidation, while a DHS spokesperson said citizenship must be obtained lawfully, hinting at a potential denaturalization proceeding. The agency also noted it would investigate any case where facts support denaturalization.
Former DHS deputy general counsel Kerry Doyle noted that denaturalization cases are rare and usually tied to serious crimes such as war crimes. He explained that the government typically has the necessary records already.
The DOJ declined to disclose evidence, but a federal hearing is pending before the March election. The outcome could strip Omar of citizenship and trigger deportation.