The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on September 11, 2026, that it is investigating allegations surrounding Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)’s immigration history, including a long-standing claim that she married her brother to assist his entry into the United States.
Key developments:
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson that federal authorities are examining whether Omar married her brother, Ahmed Elmi, as part of a broader probe into potential immigration fraud.
- Mullin described the investigation as ongoing and did not provide specific evidence or timelines for potential charges. He emphasized that no statute of limitations applies to such cases if wrongdoing is proven.
The allegations, which have circulated in conservative media for years, center on Omar’s 1997 marriage to Elmi, whom she met in a Somali refugee camp. Omar has denied the claims, stating she was legally divorced from her first husband, Ahmed Hirsi, before marrying Elmi. She later married a third time to political consultant Tim Mynett in 2018.
DHS response and legal framework
A DHS spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation but reiterated that “no one, including members of Congress, are above the law.” The agency has not publicly released findings or charges related to the case. Mullin’s remarks came during an interview at the Republican National Convention, where he framed the probe as part of a broader effort to address potential immigration fraud within Omar’s family’s migration history.
Omar’s denial and political context
Omar’s office has consistently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. In a statement to Newsweek, her representatives reiterated that the claims have never been substantiated in court or by any federal agency. The congresswoman has previously described the accusations as “a smear campaign” tied to her advocacy for immigration reform and refugee rights.
Broader implications of the investigation
The probe aligns with the Trump administration’s stated priority of cracking down on immigration fraud, particularly in cases involving family-based petitions. Mullin suggested investigators are examining whether false information was provided during Omar’s or her family’s immigration processes, which could remain actionable even years after the fact if evidence of deception is found.
Historical background
The allegations against Omar date back to 2019, when conservative media outlets first reported on the marriage claims. At the time, Omar’s representatives dismissed the reports as baseless conspiracy theories. The new DHS confirmation marks the first time a senior administration official has publicly acknowledged an active investigation into the matter.
Next steps
The DHS has not indicated a timeline for completing the investigation. Legal experts note that immigration fraud cases can take months or years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the evidence. Omar remains in office, and no formal charges have been filed.