Federal investigators concluded in 2019 that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of immigration fraud related to Rep. Ilhan Omar’s 2009 marriage, according to a review conducted during the Trump administration.
A separate 2016 investigation by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, initiated under the Obama administration, examined whether Omar’s marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi was a sham to help him obtain a green card. That probe was ultimately closed after prosecutors determined the potential offense may have fallen outside the five-year statute of limitations.
Key Findings from 2019 Review
Three former immigration officials told The Washington Post that the 2019 review, which re-examined the same allegations, found no evidence of wrongdoing. The investigation assessed multiple claims, including questions about Omar’s marriage, her age, and her father’s immigration records, but did not identify problems with her naturalization.
2016 Investigation Details
The 2016 probe was launched after reports suggested Omar’s marriage to Elmi, a British citizen, may have involved fraud. Current and former law enforcement officials told The New York Times that investigators found some evidence supporting allegations that Elmi may have been Omar’s brother. However, the investigation stalled due to the statute of limitations, and no charges were filed.
Omar’s Response
Omar has consistently denied the allegations, stating that her marriage to Elmi was legitimate. In a 2019 statement, she called the claims a politically motivated smear campaign. Her attorney has previously described the investigations as baseless.
Immigration History Scrutiny
The renewed scrutiny of Omar’s immigration history began in 2021 when a U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, appointed by President Joe Biden, closed the 2016 probe. This decision followed a separate federal investigation into potential immigration fraud in Omar’s citizenship application, which included subpoenas to relatives. The outcome of that investigation has not been publicly disclosed.
Timeline of Events
- 2009: Omar marries Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.
- 2016: FBI and DHS launch investigation into the marriage.
- 2017: Omar and Elmi officially separate.
- 2019: Immigration review finds no evidence of wrongdoing.
- 2021: U.S. Attorney closes the 2016 probe.