President Donald Trump said Oct. 20 that Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) "could also go to jail" (Fox News). No charges have been announced (The National News Desk). Omar is seeking reelection Nov. 3 in Minnesota's 5th District (The National).

Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar's Washington, D.C., home on Oct. 12. The Justice Department called it a "judicially authorized" search in an "ongoing federal criminal investigation." Unnamed sources familiar with the case told NPR that senior leaders, including Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter, approved it.

The Washington Post, citing one person familiar with the warrant, reported it listed possible charges of conspiracy, immigration fraud and false statements (ADN).

What investigators are examining

Omar gained citizenship as a minor through her father's naturalization in 2000. People familiar with the probe say investigators are examining whether she or her late father intentionally misstated her birth date, and whether he lied about or omitted past military service (ADN).

Omar has dismissed the accusations as "baseless lies and smear campaigns" (ADN). Her attorneys said there is "no legitimate basis" for claims she broke citizenship laws (The National News Desk).

On Oct. 16, her lawyers wrote to prosecutors that "this search was neither justified nor lawful." They said agents did not follow a magistrate judge's instructions, and asked for her seized phone and passport back. The Justice Department called the letter "riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies" (Al Jazeera).

What officials have said

Asked on Fox News on Oct. 17 whether the case would involve denaturalizing and deporting Omar if immigration fraud were found, border czar Tom Homan said, "Of course. If you lie during naturalization process, there is a process to denaturalize somebody." He added, "if the evidence points that way, that could happen" (Democracy Now).

On Oct. 18, former President Barack Obama wrote that "the full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official" and said it was "because she has dared to criticize the president." White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said, "Unlike Joe Biden, President Trump has not weaponized the Department of Justice against his political foes" (Fox News).

On Oct. 20, at an Oval Office event announcing a fraud-tip incentive program (The National News Desk), Trump was asked if Omar could be deported. "Well, she could be. She could also go to jail," he said (Fox News), adding: "You know, they keep talking about deportation. No, she could go to jail. This is just my opinion. I think she's a sick, a very dishonest person who hates our country." (The National News Desk) He called her "a disgrace to our country" and said of Somalia, "It's got no government" (The National). "I hope they treat her fairly," he added. Fox reported he cited no specific charge or new evidence (Fox News).

In a Fox News Digital interview published Oct. 20, Vice President JD Vance said, "We really want to let the law, the facts drive this" (Fox News). Omar and Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have called the probe political persecution (Fox News).

The election calendar

A Justice Department practice discourages public investigative steps involving candidates within 60 days of Election Day. NPR notes it is not legally binding and has been applied inconsistently (NPR).