New Details Emerge in Federal Investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is under intensified federal investigation involving allegations of immigration fraud and financial misconduct, with new details emerging about the probe and political reactions. The investigation, which includes a raid on Omar’s Washington, D.C. home on October 12, 2026, has drawn attention from across the political spectrum, including notable Democrats who have publicly commented on the probe’s legitimacy.

Federal Investigation and Raid Details

On October 12, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, conducted a raid on Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C. residence. During the early-morning operation, agents seized Omar’s passport, phone, and computer. Reports indicate that investigators have also obtained Omar’s DNA as part of the inquiry.

The sources told Fox News Digital that the raid is connected to an investigation into whether Omar or her late father, Nur Mohamed, fraudulently completed her citizenship documents decades ago. This investigation carries the potential consequence of denaturalization.

Allegations of Fraudulent Marriage and Citizenship

The investigation includes long-standing allegations that Omar married her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, in a fraudulent immigration scheme dating back to 2009. Court filings have identified Omar as “Ilhan Omar Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Omar,” raising questions about her legal name and immigration status. Elmi is a British citizen.

The allegations have persisted for over a decade since Omar first ran for Minnesota state representative in 2016. Despite Omar’s office consistently denying the claims and labeling them a right-wing smear campaign, the probe’s continuation marks a significant development.

Political Reactions and Internal Democratic Debate

Joe Radinovich, a former Minnesota state representative and prominent Democrat, publicly expressed belief in the probe’s legitimacy. On Thursday, he posted on X that the allegation of Omar’s marriage to her brother is “almost certainly true,” cautioning Democrats against dismissing the claims as conspiracies.

Radinovich also highlighted concerns about Omar’s finances, noting that her public defense leaves “no meaningful questions answered” and that an objective view of the evidence “doesn’t look…great.” He has been involved in Democratic primary challenges against Omar in 2022 and 2024.

In response, Omar campaign operative Briana Rose Lee dismissed the investigation as a “witch hunt,” accusing Radinovich of succumbing to a “new low.” Radinovich stood by his comments, acknowledging skepticism of the Trump Justice Department’s credibility but affirming his confidence in the specific allegations.

Historical Context of the Investigation

Fox News Digital confirmed that the investigation into Omar’s alleged fraudulent marriage was originally launched by the Obama administration in 2016. It remained open until 2021, when the Biden administration closed the case, reportedly due to the statute of limitations on any potential crime. The renewed probe under the current administration marks a continuation and escalation of scrutiny.

Omar’s Campaign Response and Ongoing Controversy

The latest public backlash from Omar’s campaign targeted Radinovich, calling him a “deeply troubled individual” obsessed with the congresswoman after managing unsuccessful campaigns against her.

Meanwhile, Omar herself has characterized the investigation as a political “vendetta” orchestrated by President Donald Trump, maintaining her denial of any wrongdoing. Nearly 40 House Democrats reportedly avoided supporting efforts to end the immigration probe, signaling division within the party regarding the issue.

The developments add to the complex legal and political challenges facing Rep. Ilhan Omar as she seeks another term representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.