Feds seized Omar's phone and subpoenaed relatives, reports say
Federal agents took Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone when they searched her Washington home this week, NBC News and the AP reported. A Minnesota grand jury has also sent subpoenas, including to some of her relatives. Omar herself was not subpoenaed, NBC said, and she has not been charged.
Federal agents seized Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone when they searched her Washington, D.C., home this week, NBC News and The Associated Press reported Wednesday. Both cited people familiar with the investigation.
The search took place on Monday, the AP said.
Investigators have also sent grand jury subpoenas, including to some of Omar's relatives, both outlets reported. The subpoenas are tied to a federal grand jury in Minnesota, Omar's home state, they said.
NBC News said roughly a dozen subpoenas went out on Friday, days before the search. The AP said more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas have been issued.
Fox News reported Tuesday that it had learned subpoenas were sent to multiple members of Omar's family. Two sources told Fox News Digital that the search was part of an ongoing criminal investigation involving her immigration paperwork.
Omar herself was not subpoenaed, a person familiar with the case told NBC News. Agents also want to talk to Omar's sister but have not reached her yet, the person said.
The investigation is being run by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. attorney's office in Minneapolis and the Justice Department, NBC reported. The possible charges cited by federal officials included conspiracy and making false statements in immigration paperwork, one person told NBC. Omar has not been charged with a crime.
NBC said the seizure of a sitting member of Congress's phone would typically trigger special protocols. They are meant to protect lawmakers' legislative work under the Constitution's "speech or debate" clause.
On Tuesday, Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a Fox News interview that "there are several investigations going on" related to Omar, the AP reported. "If there was a crime that was committed, it will be prosecuted," Pirro said.
Omar has called the probe political. "For 10 years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation," she said in a statement on X, according to the AP. "I will not be silenced."
What we know: Agents took Omar's phone, and a Minnesota grand jury has subpoenaed some of her relatives.
What we don't: What investigators have found, and whether anyone will be charged.
Where outlets agree NBC News and the AP both report that agents seized Omar's phone and that a Minnesota grand jury has subpoenaed some of her relatives.
Where they differ NBC News says roughly a dozen subpoenas went out, while the AP says more than a dozen were issued.