Federal agents seize Ilhan Omar sister's phone, texts lead to home search

Federal investigators seized the cell phone of Sahra Noor, the older sister of Rep. Ilhan Omar, earlier this year and used text messages from the device to secure a warrant for a search of Omar’s Washington‑area residence on Oct. 12, 2026.

The seizure, confirmed by three sources and reported by the New York Times, is part of a broader federal probe into alleged immigration fraud involving the congresswoman’s citizenship paperwork. Prosecutors said the messages contained information that convinced a judge to authorize Homeland Security investigators to conduct the home search.

Agents arrived at the residence early Monday morning, spent several hours searching, and left with multiple boxes of seized items. The operation follows a prior raid on Omar’s home in Washington, D.C., where agents also seized her phone, passport and computers.

Omar’s legal team has filed a letter challenging the search, describing the investigation as a “vindictive, retributive, and politically motivated criminal investigation” that violates her constitutional rights. The attorneys argue the timing—weeks before the midterm elections—suggests an intent to undermine a prominent congressional critic.

Department of Justice spokesperson Emily Covington responded that the claims are “riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies” and affirmed that “our attorneys and law enforcement partners complied with all court orders and legal obligations, as they always do.”

In related developments, Noor, a health‑care executive and author, missed a scheduled book‑tour event at the University of Minnesota Rochester after being subpoenaed in the investigation. She has not commented publicly on the phone seizure.

The case continues to attract national attention as investigators pursue potential violations of immigration law while the political stakes heighten ahead of the upcoming elections.