FBI searches home of Texas Democrat in Azerbaijan investigation

Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas has had his home and campaign office raided this week as apart of a federal investigation into Azerbaijan and US businessmen who may have ties to the country, according to senior officials.

On Wednesday, the FBI searched Cuellar’s property, in what it described as “court-authorized law enforcement activity”. Witnesses said at least a dozen federal agents moved through Cuellar’s home and office, carrying out various items and cases, as first reported by the Monitor of McAllen, Texas.

An FBI spokesperson, Rosanne Hughes, acknowledged the search in a statement on Wednesday night, though Cuellar was not named and few details on the wider investigation were offered.

“The FBI was present in the vicinity of Windridge Drive and Estate Drive in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity,” Hughes said. “The FBI cannot provide further comment on an ongoing investigation.”

During the search, Cuellar’s office also released a short statement. “Congressman Cuellar will fully cooperate in any investigation. He is committed to ensuring that justice and the law are upheld,” read the statement.

Cuellar, a moderate Democrat, has served in the House of Representatives since 2004, representing a district in Texas that extends from the US border with Mexico up to the eastern outskirts of San Antonio. Cuellar also has a seat on the House appropriations committee.