A federal grand jury inquiry, which ended in a search on Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar’s home, has reportedly begun issuing subpoenas. The grand jury issued a subpoena for material relevant to Cuellar, his wife Imelda, and at least one of his campaign staffers, according to ABC News.
Although it is unclear whether Cuellar or his wife are direct targets of the investigation, the subpoenas reportedly seek records “relating to anything of value” related to Cuellar’s relationships with various business leaders and foreign officials, as well as records relating to “work, act, favor, or service” that Cuellar may have provided to foreign companies. Cuellar formerly co-chaired the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and met with a number of Azerbaijani authorities, including the country’s ambassador, Elin Suleymanov. According to CNN, the investigation is being carried out by the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Unit, which looks into bribery and government integrity.
The FBI officers were observed visiting Cuellar’s house and campaign headquarters in Laredo, Texas, earlier this week, sparking speculation of an inquiry. In a subsequent statement, the FBI verified their existence. The FBI claimed in a statement to Fox News on Wednesday, “The FBI was present in the neighborhood of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo undertaking court-authorized law enforcement action.” When contacted on Thursday, the agency declined to disclose any further information, citing the investigation’s continuing state.
Cuellar, who represents Texas’ 28th congressional district, which extends from San Antonio to Laredo and Rio Grande City, has been a vociferous liberal opponent of the Biden administration’s border policy, pushing for Vice President Kamala Harris to be removed as President Biden’s “border czar.”
