Federal Agencies Probe Ilhan Omar for Immigration Fraud
The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are investigating Representative Ilhan Omar for alleged immigration fraud and financial disclosure discrepancies.
The United States Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are investigating Ilhan Omar, a U.S. Representative from Minnesota, for alleged immigration fraud and financial disclosure discrepancies. The probe centers on claims that Omar made false statements on government documents and committed fraud by marrying Ahmed Elmi, whom critics allege is her brother. Omar has denied wrongdoing, stating she did not know if Elmi was her brother.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that his agency referred a large case to the Justice Department following an October 12 raid on Omar's Washington home. Federal agents seized electronics and documents, and a grand jury in Minnesota has issued more than a dozen subpoenas to Omar and her relatives. To defend against these probes, Omar retained attorneys Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz of the law firm Hecker Fink LLP and has appealed to supporters for financial assistance.
President Donald Trump has called for Omar's immediate resignation, alleging she used a fake name to be sworn into Congress and suggesting she could face deportation or jail. Former President Barack Obama defended Omar, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated effort to intimidate her. While some Republicans demand her immediate removal, others are calling for a House Ethics Committee investigation. The outcome may lead to a House vote regarding her qualifications to serve.
