House Democrats on Wednesday demanded that the FBI and Justice Department explain a federal investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar, following reporting by The Washington Post that identified the probe. Omar represents Minnesota's 5th congressional district.

The Post reported that the investigation touched on allegations tied to Omar's past filings and associates. Omar, a leading progressive and member of the group of lawmakers known as the Squad, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and characterised previous scrutiny as politically motivated.

Members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi for a briefing on the scope and origin of the inquiry. They argued that the timing, during a prolonged federal shutdown and ahead of the midterm campaign, raised concerns about the weaponisation of the Justice Department against political opponents.

Republican leaders in the House dismissed the Democratic complaints, saying the department should follow the evidence regardless of the target's politics. The dispute deepened partisan tensions over the federal law enforcement apparatus and its focus.

"No member of Congress is above the law, and no American should be investigated because of who they are or what they believe," the Congressional Progressive Caucus said in a statement calling for transparency from the department.