House Democratic leaders condemn the search of congresswoman's home as an 'abuse of power'

Federal agents searched the home of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar in a predawn operation on Monday, October 12, 2026, drawing swift rebuke from House Democratic leaders, who labeled it an "abuse of power." The episode lands with fewer than 30 days remaining before elections that will decide which parties run the House and Senate, and it has prompted doubts about whether the timing squares with a long-standing Justice Department custom of steering clear of conspicuous investigative moves involving candidates just before voters go to the polls, according to PBS NewsHour.

Omar responded that she will not be silenced, and she accused Donald Trump of waging a campaign of intimidation against her. In a joint statement, the House Democratic leaders argued that Trump and far-right extremists have spent years directing vicious personal attacks and unfounded allegations at the congresswoman. They said his violent mass deportation apparatus had now turned up at the residence of a legitimately elected lawmaker and her family. Criticism came quickly from senior congressional Democrats.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →