Nearly 40 House Democrats have declined to sign a letter defending controversial Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar against a federal immigration investigation, exposing divisions within the Democratic Party just days before the midterm elections.

According to a report by the New York Post, 175 House Democrats signed a letter accusing the Trump administration of improperly using federal law enforcement against Omar after agents searched her Washington, D.C., residence earlier this month.

However, approximately 40 members of the 214-member Democratic caucus did not sign the letter, including several prominent lawmakers from New York and New Jersey.

Among those who declined were Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen of New York, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, who represents a competitive congressional district, also did not sign.

The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, accused the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security of targeting Omar for political reasons shortly before voters head to the polls.

The controversy follows an October 12 search of Omar’s Washington residence, during which federal agents executed a judicially authorized warrant and seized multiple phones and notebooks.

The investigation reportedly centers on allegations that Omar or her late father misrepresented her birth year on immigration paperwork.

No finding of wrongdoing has been established, and Omar has dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated attack by President Donald Trump.

Democratic lawmakers who signed the letter argued that the timing of the search could improperly influence voters in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, where Omar is seeking reelection.

“Congresswoman Omar is seeking reelection in Minnesota’s 5th congressional district in just one week,” the letter stated.

The lawmakers argued that public disclosure of the investigation so close to Election Day could affect the outcome, regardless of whether investigators had sufficient grounds to conduct the search.

The letter also accused federal authorities of disregarding longstanding Justice Department practices intended to avoid unnecessary investigative actions involving candidates shortly before elections.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries signed the letter, placing himself among the party’s senior figures publicly defending Omar.

Pelosi’s absence was particularly notable given her previous support for Omar during congressional controversies.

The refusal of several moderate Democrats to sign also highlights the political sensitivities surrounding Omar, who has repeatedly faced criticism over her statements about Israel and American foreign policy.

Gottheimer, Suozzi, and Gillen represent districts in New Jersey and New York, where association with Omar’s controversial positions could carry political consequences.

However, the decision not to sign the letter does not necessarily indicate that those lawmakers support the federal investigation or believe Omar committed any wrongdoing.

The split marks a contrast with previous congressional confrontations involving Omar.

In 2023, every House Democrat opposed a Republican-led effort to remove her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee over her past statements concerning Israel. Republicans ultimately succeeded in removing her.

More recently, in September 2025, the House narrowly rejected a Republican resolution to censure Omar over remarks she made following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The measure failed by a 214-213 vote.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)