Judge Limits Justice Department Access to Rep. Ilhan Omar's Records in Immigration Fraud Investigation

Homeland Security officers carried boxes from the Washington, DC, residence of US Rep. Ilhan Omar during a search on October 14, 2026. The search was part of an immigration fraud investigation targeting Omar, which includes possible false statements made on government documents and potential conspiracy, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation. Prosecutors faced challenges from a federal magistrate judge, who limited the Justice Department's access to Omar's documents due to her role as a member of Congress and the constitutional protections that apply. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh of the DC District Court ultimately approved the warrant but imposed restrictions on how the Justice Department could access the documents. Investigators are looking into whether Omar or her now-deceased father provided false information regarding her age when she obtained citizenship in 2000, claiming she was a minor at the time. Omar emigrated to the US as a Somali refugee around the age of 12 and became a citizen in 2000. The government may expand the investigation into a wider conspiracy case involving potential deception over several years. Omar has been under criminal investigations for years, including prior to the Trump administration, which has intensified scrutiny over her alleged false statements on government documents. The timing of the search, occurring less than a month before Election Day, is notable as Omar is running for reelection as a Democrat in Minnesota. The Justice Department's efforts to access a member of Congress's records have drawn attention, especially in the context of political tensions. At least a dozen subpoenas were issued to witnesses, many of whom are relatives. The reliability of government records in Somalia complicates the investigation. The Justice Department argued for broad access to Omar's records, but the judge required a process to protect her legislative work from investigators, citing constitutional protections. The implications of the investigation could affect both federal charges against Omar and her campaign. Omar has publicly described the search as a political attack motivated by animosity from Trump and Republicans, asserting that it is part of a pattern of targeting political opponents. She has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime. Investigators are also examining claims regarding her ex-husband's citizenship, which Omar has labeled as false. The statute of limitations may affect the inquiry's outcomes, as no charges were brought by investigators during the Biden administration, and the current investigation has progressed further than previous inquiries.