Supporters of Ilhan Omar gathered in Minneapolis after federal agents searched the Democratic congresswoman’s Washington DC home as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, prompting accusations that the action was politically motivated.
The rally was held at Powderhorn Park on Monday, hours after Homeland Security Investigations agents carried out the search. Omar represents Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis, and is seeking re-election in a contest taking place 22 days after the search.
The event, promoted as a show of support for the congresswoman, was organised amid anger over the timing of the operation. The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Minnesota chapter urged supporters to attend a “Stand with Ilhan” gathering, saying it opposed what it described as political intimidation. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/ilhan-omar-supporters-rally-minneapolis-powderhorn-park/?ftag=CNM-00-10aab4i&intcid=CNR-02-0623&utm_source=openai))
What is known about the search of Ilhan Omar’s home
The US Department of Justice said HSI had executed a judicially authorised search warrant in the Washington area. It described the action as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation but did not disclose what agents were seeking or identify any charges. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/8e18c2aea948bd90f4d7a4eb32b9ec3a?utm_source=openai))
Sources familiar with the investigation told US media that it concerns immigration paperwork completed by Omar’s late father in the 1990s, when she was a child. The New York Times reported that alleged offences under examination included false statements and fraud, although no allegations have been proved.
Omar’s office said she had “done nothing wrong”. In a statement posted on X, she said she was safe and accused the authorities of attempting to target political opponents and use federal law enforcement as a political weapon.
“For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns,” she wrote. “This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced.”
President Donald Trump denied involvement, saying the matter was for the Justice Department to handle. “I think she’s a terrible person, but that’s really up to the DOJ, I have nothing to do with it,” he said.
Republican Congressman Tom Emmer said: “Accountability is coming.” Omar’s congressional opponent, John Nagel, said voters deserved answers and a representative focused on serving them rather than addressing unresolved questions about her record.
Democrats have questioned why federal agents acted so close to an election, citing longstanding Justice Department practice of avoiding overt investigative steps involving political candidates during the immediate run-up to voting. The department has not explained whether it believes an exception applies in this case. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/12/ilhan-omar-home-searched/05126f64-c638-11f1-aefb-abe4112d087e_story.html?utm_source=openai))
Details of the warrant and the investigation remain limited, and there has been no indication that Omar has been charged with a crime.
