Ilhan Omar recounts federal raid on her home and plans to relocate over threats

Representative Ilhan Omar has spoken publicly for the first time about an early-morning federal search of her Washington residence, announcing that security fears will force her to relocate.

The Minnesota Democrat described the October 12 incident during an interview with MS NOW, recounting how Homeland Security Investigations personnel surrounded her home at approximately 6 a.m. Omar said agents began pounding heavily on both the front and back entrances, startling her family while they were asleep. Her husband, Tim Mynett, and her 20-year-old son were also inside the property at the time.

Omar explained that she had returned from travel only hours earlier and had slept very little before the disturbance began. Believing there might be a fire or an emergency involving a neighbor, she and her husband called out that they were getting dressed before heading downstairs. Upon opening the door, she asked to view a warrant and was surprised to see Homeland Security personnel, noting that the agency typically handles cases involving human trafficking, narcotics, and cybercrime.

According to Omar, agents asked her to sign a form that would relinquish specific protections afforded to sitting lawmakers under the Constitution's Speech or Debate Clause, which shields members of Congress from liability concerning their official duties. Omar refused to sign the waiver.

The search lasted between four and five hours, during which Omar said she sat reviewing the warrant while trying to monitor the agents' actions. She noted that about an hour elapsed before she was able to reach her legal counsel.

Law enforcement officials seized 17 items from the residence. The confiscated property included older phones belonging to Omar and one of her daughters, as well as personal items belonging to Mynett, such as a family camera, notebooks, and a Somali language book. Omar noted that the receipt provided to her indicated no DNA samples or materials bearing her DNA were taken.

A source familiar with the inquiry previously told NBC News that authorities are examining potential allegations involving conspiracy and false statements related to immigration documentation. The timing of the search, occurring near the midterm elections, has drawn concern from former Justice Department officials.

Omar defended her family history, stating that the federal government already possesses the original documents submitted when her late father brought the family to the United States. She rejected assertions that Donald Trump played no role in the scrutiny, arguing the investigation stems from years of hostile political rhetoric directed at her.

Because the location of her Washington house has now been publicized, Omar said she cannot remain there safely. Citing persistent death threats and concerns for her children when they visit, she confirmed she will need to find another place to live.

The Department of Homeland Security directed inquiries to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Omar's remarks.