Federal investigators secretly collected trash from outside Representative Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C. home in hopes of extracting DNA from the Minnesota Democrat and her family members, according to sources familiar with the operation. The trash collection occurred before Monday's widely publicized raid on her residence, where agents seized her phone.
The tactic, often described as "dumpster diving," is a legally permissible method for law enforcement to gather genetic material when obtaining a search warrant is not feasible or would alert the targets of an investigation. Sources told NewsNation that the DNA evidence is considered critical to the case, which is broader than the public has been led to believe based on long-standing accusations about Omar's immigration history or marital status.
The investigation now encompasses several of Omar's relatives, with some family members named in federal subpoenas. Sources indicate that evidence is expected to be presented to a grand jury. The coordinated effort involved more than a dozen simultaneous raids on Monday, not just the one at Omar's residence, NewsNation has learned.
The case is being managed by the Minneapolis office of Homeland Security Investigations, which suggests a potential link to public benefits fraud within the Somali immigrant community in that region. Omar, 44, was born in Somalia and came to the U.S. as a child in 1995, becoming a naturalized citizen in 2000.
Omar, who is seeking a fifth term in Congress, has been a frequent political target of former President Trump. She previously faced a Department of Justice investigation under the Biden administration that was closed, but parts of that probe were reopened and expanded under the current Trump administration. Omar has accused the DOJ of being weaponized against her.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the investigation, telling Real America's Voice that the case is "about enforcing our nation's laws." The development adds to a series of federal actions against political figures, including recent seizure of Omar's phone and subpoenas to relatives.
The use of trash collection for DNA is a well-established investigative technique, though it raises privacy concerns. Legal experts note that once trash is placed curbside for collection, individuals have no reasonable expectation of privacy over it. The tactic has been used in numerous high-profile cases, including the investigation into the Golden State Killer.
The broader scope of the probe, which now includes family members, suggests that federal prosecutors are building a case that could have significant political implications. Omar's supporters have decried the investigation as politically motivated, while critics argue that no one is above the law. The case is expected to proceed with grand jury proceedings in the coming weeks.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear what specific charges, if any, might be filed. The involvement of Homeland Security Investigations points to potential immigration or benefits-related offenses. Omar has not publicly commented on the latest developments, but her office has previously denied any wrongdoing.
This case is part of a broader pattern of federal scrutiny on elected officials, including lawsuits against Matt Gaetz and other probes. The outcome of the Omar investigation could set a precedent for how federal agencies handle investigations into members of Congress.
