Feds seized Rep. Ilhan Omar’s phone, subpoenaed family members in immigration status probe

Federal agents seized the phone of Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., when they searched her Washington, D.C., home this week as part of a federal investigation into potential immigration-related crimes, and they have sent roughly a dozen subpoenas out in the case, according to two people familiar with the investigation. The possible charges cited by federal officials included conspiracy and making false statements in immigration paperwork, one of the people said. The search came just three weeks before the midterms, within the window of time when the Justice Department has typically avoided overt actions in criminal cases that could affect an election. And the seizure of the phone of a sitting member of Congress would typically trigger a set of law enforcement protocols meant to ensure investigators aren’t infringing upon the “speech or debate” clause of the U.S.

Constitution, which protects members of Congress from being questioned for their legislative acts. On Friday, roughly a dozen subpoenas were sent out in the case, including to her family members, the second person familiar with the investigation told NBC News. The congresswoman herself was not subpoenaed, the person said, adding that the orders seeking information are tied to a federal grand jury in Minnesota, Omar’s home state. Federal agents also want to talk to Omar’s