Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a judicially authorised search warrant at the Washington, DC-area home of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the US Department of Justice said.
Agents were seen loading several boxes from the residence into a van. Details of the investigation remain limited, but reports indicate it centres on immigration paperwork filed by Omar's late father when she was a child, following previous scrutiny of her immigration records, says the BBC.
Omar denied wrongdoing and accused the administration of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents.
"For ten years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns," Omar said. "This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. I will not be silenced."
She also said: "I will say it again so it's as clear as possible: I'm not at all worried about these investigations, because they are complete shams."
Jacklyn Rogers, Omar's communications director, described the search as an "outrageous abuse of power" by the administration and said Omar "has done nothing wrong".
A Justice Department spokesperson confirmed that agents had "executed a judicially authorised search warrant" as "part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation".
President Donald Trump said he had "nothing to do" with the investigation, while criticising Omar personally.
Trump described her as a "complainer" and a "terrible person".
"She comes from a country that is a non-country. And then she comes over here and she complains about our Constitution," he said.
In a social media post, Trump also wrote that Minnesota "is being taken over by Somali immigrants" and that "the people of Minnesota must fight back".
Democratic leaders condemned the search, questioning its timing ahead of the midterm elections, which are 22 days away.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said: "Americans see this for what it is - President Trump is abusing his power to go after political opponents weeks before an election."
Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota called the search "a transparent attempt to interfere in our elections".
Leading Democrats in the House of Representatives said Omar had long been subjected to "vile personal attacks and baseless accusations".
"Now, less than 30 days until the midterm election, his violent mass deportation machine has descended upon the home of a duly elected Member of Congress and her family," they said.
The timing of the search has also raised questions about the Justice Department's long-standing policies against enforcement actions close to elections.
Republican Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota defended the investigation, saying: "Nobody is above the law."
"We look forward to learning more details about this raid and investigation. ACCOUNTABILITY IS COMING!" Emmer said.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also commented on the allegations against Omar, telling a podcaster that "something is going to happen" regarding the matter.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have disclosed limited details about its scope.