Federal agents searched Omar’s trash for DNA before raid: Sources

( NewsNation ) — Federal agents collected garbage in hopes of obtaining the DNA of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and her family before this week’s raid at her Washington, D.C. home, sources told NewsNation.

Investigators historically have used secretive “dumpster diving” to obtain DNA when search warrants were not possible or would have tipped off investigatory targets. It is legally permissible for law enforcement to collect trash that has been discarded for pickup and comb through it for genetic material.

Multiple sources familiar with the probe tell NewsNation that potential DNA evidence is critical to the investigation into Omar. They say the case is broader than the public may assume based on longstanding accusations surrounding her immigration history or marital status.

The investigation encompasses family members of the congresswoman, with evidence expected to go before a grand jury, sources said. Relatives of the lawmaker have been named in some of the subpoenas issued by federal prosecutors, NewsNation reported.

Federal agents seized Omar’s phone during a widely publicized search Monday at her Washington residence. NewsNation has learned that more than a dozen raids actually occurred simultaneously.

The case is being coordinated within the Minneapolis office of Homeland Security Investigations, suggesting it may be related to public benefits fraud committed by some members of the Somali immigrant community in the region.

The 44-year-old Omar, who seeks a fifth term in Congress, was born in Somalia and immigrated to the U.S. as a child in 1995. She was naturalized in 2000.

She originally was investigated by the Department of Justice under former President Biden before the case was closed. Parts of that investigation were reopened and expanded under the administration of President Trump.

Omar, a frequent political foil for Trump, said she believes the DOJ has been weaponized against her. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Real America’s Voice Friday its case into the lawmaker is “about enforcing our nation’s laws.”