US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has accused President Donald Trump of political pressure following a federal search of her home on October 12, saying death threats and security concerns have forced her family to consider moving.
WASHINGTON (Somali Report) — Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has accused US President Donald Trump of contributing to what she described as politically motivated pressure against her, after federal agents searched her home earlier this month.
In her first interview since the October 12 search, the Minnesota representative told MS NOW host Chris Hayes on Wednesday evening that the operation had raised serious concerns about her family's safety and forced them to consider moving from their home near Washington.
Omar said she and her family had received death threats and were increasingly worried after their home address became publicly accessible.
She recounted being woken at around 6:00 am by loud banging on the front and back doors of the house as officers from US Homeland Security Investigations arrived.
Omar, her husband and their 20-year-old son hurriedly got dressed, initially fearing there might be a fire or another emergency, she said.
The congresswoman said she had returned from a trip shortly before the incident and had slept for only about two hours when the officers arrived.
Between 15 and 25 officers searched the house room by room for four to five hours, according to Omar.
The items taken included 17 objects, among them old and recently replaced mobile phones, her daughter's first phone, notebooks, memorabilia, a camera dating from the 1960s and a book containing Somali phrases.
Omar said she was surprised by the extent of the operation when she saw the inventory of items seized. She also said it took her about an hour to contact her lawyer.
Despite her concerns about the search, Omar said the officers who carried it out treated her family respectfully.
She said they returned items to their original places and even folded some of her clothes during the operation.
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Omar nevertheless believes the search was politically motivated, particularly as she prepares for the November midterm elections after winning the Democratic primary in her district.
She accused Trump of repeatedly targeting her with public criticism and calls for her deportation, describing the rhetoric as part of a campaign intended to intimidate both her and her supporters.
Trump denied last week having any connection to the investigation. However, he launched another verbal attack against Omar on Tuesday when questioned about her.
The search comes amid years of political controversy surrounding the congresswoman, a Somali-born US citizen who has frequently clashed with Trump and his allies.
The interview also addressed longstanding allegations circulated on social media concerning Omar's previous marriage, including claims that she married her brother.
Omar denied knowing of any family relationship between herself and her former husband.
She said the allegations originated in a Somali-language post that was subsequently amplified by people she described as believers in politically driven conspiracy theories.
Asked whether she was related to the man at the centre of the allegations, Omar replied: "As far as I know, no."
Omar, one of the most prominent progressive voices in the US House of Representatives, has repeatedly faced attacks from political opponents over her background, immigration and political positions.
The search and its aftermath have added to tensions surrounding her re-election campaign, as the November midterms approach and political divisions in the United States remain sharply entrenched.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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