Ilhan Omar posts first video since DC home raid, urges supporters to donate ahead of midterms

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, appeared in a campaign video on Tuesday, October 20, for the first time since federal agents searched her Washington, DC, residence.

She thanked supporters for their donations and urged them to continue contributing ahead of the midterm elections.

Omar accused President Donald Trump and his administration of attempting to intimidate political opponents but did not directly address the investigation linked to the search.

The video came as Trump publicly suggested she could face jail time if the allegations against her were substantiated.

Ilhan Omar seeks campaign donations after home raid

In the selfie-style video posted to her official Instagram account, Omar appeared in the back seat of a moving vehicle, wearing a blue campaign shirt.

The Democratic representative thanked supporters who had sent messages and financial contributions following the search.

“Hi everyone, Ilhan here,” she said. “I just wanted to say thank you so much for the support, to everyone who sent a note of support, for everyone who sent $5, $10, $20.”

Omar said the contributions would help her campaign respond to the administration’s actions and urged supporters to continue donating.

“Please continue to support us. It's going to be a very expensive and challenging time. So we appreciate whether you're able to send $5, $10, $20. Thank you.”

The longtime Trump critic also accused the administration of seeking to pressure political opponents ahead of the elections.

She said the donations “goes a long way as we fight Trump and his administration for trying to intimidate me and so many people right before the midterm elections.”

“We know that they're running scared,” she said, referring to Trump and Republicans. “We're not going to be intimidated. We're not going to be silenced. We're not going to be scared.”

Omar’s Washington residence was searched by Homeland Security Investigations agents last week as part of an investigation into potential immigration fraud.

Authorities are examining allegations that Omar or her father provided false information on paperwork related to her citizenship. The allegations have not been proven.

Before publishing the video, Omar had issued written statements condemning the search.

She described it as “an outrageous abuse of power and an unprecedented escalation in the weaponization of federal law enforcement to target political enemies.”

"The Congresswoman has done nothing wrong. No president should be able to use the power of the federal government to intimidate his political enemies," the congresswoman continued.

Trump warns Ilhan Omar could face jail time

Trump also addressed the investigation on the same day from the Oval Office, saying Omar could face criminal consequences if the allegations were substantiated.

“Well, she could be. She could also go to jail,” Trump said. “You know, they keep talking about deportation. No, she could go to jail.”

“This is just my opinion,” the president added before describing Omar as “a very dishonest person” who “hates our country.”

Omar also confirmed in her video that, despite the investigation, she intends to return to the campaign trail as the elections approach.

“I'll be out there campaigning alongside all of you, and making sure that we beat back all of this, and that we win in the midterms,” Omar said. “Win the House, win the Senate, and hold this administration accountable.”