Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) resurfaced with a tearful fundraising plea after days out of the public eye. Though she posted messages to social media, the Somali refugee had not been seen in public since federal agents raided her D.C. home on October 12.
In a one-minute TikTok video posted Tuesday, Omar thanked supporters for sending small amounts of money and accused the Trump administration of “trying to intimidate me and so many people.” She added with tears welling in her eyes: “We know that they’re running scared. We’re not going to be intimidated. We’re not going to be silenced. We’re not going to be scared.”
The video, which concluded with an “Ilhan for Congress” logo, reiterated her appeal for financial support: “Thank you so much again, and please continue to support us.” She emphasized it would be “a very expensive and challenging time.” The clip appeared to show Omar cruising near Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside area, with the Eleven on the River condominium tower in the background.
Omar’s home in the D.C. area was searched by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents under a warrant signed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Officers seized her phone, according to AP reports, and potentially her passport. The raid follows months of allegations that Omar married her brother to secure legal status in the United States.
In September, HSI Secretary Markwayne Mullin claimed Omar did so, while border czar Tom Homan stated she could be denaturalized and deported if fraud was proven. President Donald Trump added she “could also go to jail.” Omar has not been charged, but her office described the raid as an abuse of power targeting political opponents and asserted she has done nothing wrong. Her attorneys claim there is no legitimate basis for suggesting she violated citizenship laws.
Investigators are reviewing Omar’s naturalization paperwork amid longstanding allegations that she married her brother to game the immigration system—a claim she denies. DNA evidence may verify these accusations, though authorities have not yet confirmed a violation. Separately, HSI is examining financial misconduct claims, including a 2019 ruling by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board that Omar violated state rules by routing $1,500 through her lawyer to an accounting firm to pull tax returns rebutting marriage allegations. She was ordered to repay $3,469.23 and pay a $500 civil penalty.
Omar’s campaign previously paid approximately $2.92 million to E Street Group, a consulting firm co-owned by her husband Tim Mynett. The Federal Election Commission voted 6-0 in 2021 that there was no reason to believe the payments converted campaign funds to personal use. Omar is scheduled to appear in Minneapolis with Hasan Piker on Monday.
