Federal investigators have obtained DNA evidence and personal documents from Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence as part of an ongoing immigration fraud probe, according to multiple reports. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit executed a court-approved raid on Omar’s home on October 14, 2024, seizing her cellphone and issuing more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to family members.
The investigation centers on allegations that Omar or her family members may have misrepresented her age or marital status during her naturalization process. While the exact method of DNA collection remains undisclosed, reports indicate investigators collected garbage from Omar’s home in an attempt to obtain genetic material. Federal authorities have denied claims of 'dumpster diving' through her trash but have not clarified how the DNA was acquired.
Omar, who has not been charged with any crime, has denied wrongdoing, calling the probe a politically motivated witch hunt. Her attorney and a spokesperson for the congresswoman have not responded to requests for comment.
Federal officials have not confirmed the scope of the investigation, but sources familiar with the case suggest it may extend beyond the longstanding allegations regarding Omar’s immigration history. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not publicly detailed the evidence gathered or the specific legal basis for the raid.
Rep. Omar’s sister, Sahra Noor, was questioned by federal investigators last week in Kenya, where she had been promoting her book. Noor canceled a scheduled book tour event in Minnesota, citing a family emergency, though it was later revealed she met with authorities. The House lawmaker’s husband, Tim Mynett, has defended Omar’s immigration timeline outside their shared residence.
Key Developments in the Investigation
- October 14, 2024: HSI agents conducted a raid on Omar’s D.C. home, seizing her phone and issuing subpoenas.
- DNA Evidence: Federal agents obtained genetic material from Omar’s residence, though the method remains undisclosed.
- Family Interviews: Omar’s sister, Sahra Noor, was questioned by investigators in Kenya.
- Subpoenas Issued: More than a dozen grand jury subpoenas have been served, including to relatives.
- No Charges Filed: Omar has not been charged and continues to deny allegations of fraud.
Background and Context
The investigation follows years of public allegations regarding Omar’s immigration history, including claims that she married her brother to help him secure U.S. citizenship. These accusations were first raised by bloggers and conservative media outlets in 2019, prompting scrutiny from immigration enforcement agencies. In January 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents met with Scott Johnson of Powerline Blog, who had previously published claims about Omar’s naturalization process. Johnson stated that ICE asked him questions about Omar’s father and immigration timeline, though he did not specify whether he provided information.
The DHS raid and subsequent evidence collection mark a significant escalation in the federal probe, which has been ongoing for months. While the exact legal basis for the investigation has not been disclosed, sources suggest it may involve allegations of perjury or misrepresentation during Omar’s naturalization process. Federal law allows for the revocation of citizenship and deportation if fraud is proven, though such cases are rare and require substantial evidence.
Omar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, framing the investigation as an attempt to undermine her political career. Her legal team has not publicly addressed the DNA evidence or the raid, and no further updates on the case have been provided by federal authorities.