By Michael Kosnar
Latino Rep. Henry Cuellar's home and campaign office in Texas were raided as part of a federal investigation
into Azerbaijan and a group of American businessmen
with ties to the country, a senior law enforcement official said Thursday.
The purported motive for the investigation was first revealed by an ABC News report.
Witnesses said federal agents were seen removing items from Cuellar's Laredo home on Wednesday, while others were outside his campaign office.
A colleague of Congressman Henry Cuéllar had a "sad reaction" because the FBI is investigating him
Jan. 20, 202201:06
While he did not specifically refer to Cuellar by name or provide details about the investigation, the FBI acknowledged carrying out the raid Wednesday night.
"The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activities," spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes said in a statement.
"The FBI is unable to provide further comment on an ongoing investigation," he said.
As the FBI executed the search warrant Wednesday, the representative's office released a statement that said: “Congressman Cuellar will cooperate fully in any investigation.
He is committed to ensuring that justice and the law are
upheld.”
Henry Cuéllar says he will cooperate with any investigation after FBI intervention in his home
Jan. 20, 202203:19
His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night from NBC News, sister network of Noticias Telemundo.
The same senior law enforcement official confirmed there was a grand jury investigation, but could not provide details on the exact approach of the jury or when and where it will meet.
It is not clear if Cuellar is at the center of the case or
if he is being investigated for accusations of criminal irregularities
.
[FBI Extends Investigation to Israel and UK After Hostage Taking at Texas Synagogue]
Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, speaks to members of the media at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S., on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Bloomberg via Getty Images
Cuellar, 66, is a lawyer, former customs agent and former Texas secretary of state.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, and sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee.
He
was recently co-chair of the Azerbaijan Congressional Caucus
.