Federal investigators have reportedly obtained DNA evidence in their ongoing probe into Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), according to an October 19 report by the New York Post. This development marks a significant step in an expanding investigation that includes allegations of immigration fraud and questions surrounding Omar's citizenship. People familiar with the investigation stated that prosecutors are examining the genetic evidence alongside government records and information provided by whistleblowers.
"If there was a crime committed, it will be prosecuted." Jeanine Pirro, Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney
The allegations, which have persisted for over a decade, primarily concern Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, a British citizen. Investigators reportedly suspect this marriage may have been part of a scheme to assist Elmi in obtaining permanent residency in the United States. A central, unproven allegation is that Elmi is Omar’s biological brother. Omar has consistently and publicly denied this claim. While the recent report indicates DNA evidence has been obtained, it does not disclose the results of any testing or confirm a familial relationship. The timeline for when the DNA was collected and whose samples were acquired also remains undisclosed. One individual familiar with the case disputed earlier reports suggesting federal agents retrieved biological evidence from discarded trash.
This reported development follows a search of Representative Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on October 12, during which agents from Homeland Security Investigations removed several boxes of materials. Two individuals familiar with the investigation believe that the search warrant, combined with the reported DNA evidence and other investigative findings, could provide a foundation for prosecutors to pursue criminal charges, potentially including conspiracy to commit immigration fraud.
The case is reportedly being examined by federal prosecutors in Minnesota, with potential grand jury proceedings that could address allegations spanning several decades. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that "conspiracy allegations could allow investigators to examine older conduct as part of a broader alleged scheme," though he cautioned that "prosecutors would still need to satisfy applicable legal requirements and filing deadlines."
Beyond the marriage fraud allegations, the federal inquiry is also reportedly reviewing questions surrounding Omar’s acquisition of American citizenship. Omar has maintained that she derived citizenship through her father’s naturalization in 2000, asserting she was 17 at the time. Investigators are reportedly scrutinizing discrepancies related to her recorded birth year, which could potentially impact this account. A separate federal inquiry is also examining Omar’s financial disclosures, focusing on reported discrepancies in assets associated with her household.
Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has publicly defended the search warrant executed at Omar's residence, emphasizing that its authorization stemmed from a judge finding sufficient grounds. "If there was a crime committed, it will be prosecuted," Pirro told Fox News. Border official Tom Homan has also suggested that investigators may have developed a strong case that could prompt the administration to consider denaturalization proceedings. However, such proceedings would require separate legal findings, and a criminal allegation involving marriage fraud would not automatically invalidate Omar’s citizenship.
Omar’s attorneys, Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, have strongly challenged the investigation, demanding the immediate return of property seized during the search. They have accused the President Trump administration of politically targeting the congresswoman and have raised concerns about the timing of the search warrant’s execution, occurring shortly before the midterm elections. The Justice Department has rejected these accusations, maintaining that investigators adhered to relevant court orders and legal requirements. Omar’s husband, political consultant Tim Mynett, has also publicly defended her immigration history, noting that she arrived in the United States as a child refugee, according to the New York Post.
An earlier examination of the alleged sibling marriage during President Trump’s first administration reportedly did not uncover sufficient evidence to substantiate the accusation. Despite the recent claims involving DNA evidence, federal prosecutors have not publicly released any genetic test results or announced criminal charges against Representative Omar. The ultimate determination of whether this evidence establishes any wrongdoing, supports an indictment, or leads to proceedings affecting her citizenship remains unresolved as the investigation continues.
