Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?

Timeline

18 timeline entries on this page. Dates: January 1, 2000 to September 19, 2026

1. January 2000

   1 event

   1. 01SatJanuary 1, 2000

      In 2000, Omar becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen

      Ilhan Omar, born in Somalia, came to the United States in 1995 at age 12 after her family was granted refugee status, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2000, according to Newsmax as carried by Yahoo News.

      [01]Rep. Comer: Make Evidence Against Rep. Omar Public

      Source excerpt

      I think it should be made public, and I think the members of Congress should be the judge and the jury in this.

      Newsmax’s report of Comer’s September 14 interview, as syndicated on Yahoo News. It also summarizes Omar’s background, including that she has denied for years that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom she married in 2009, is her brother, and that the allegation has not been publicly substantiated.

      Rep. Comer: Make Evidence Against Rep. Omar PublicParagraphs quoting Comer and describing Omar’s background.

2. 3288 days between recorded events

   January 2009

   1 event

   1. 01ThuJanuary 1, 2009

      In 2009, Omar legally marries Ahmed Nur Said Elmi

      Omar has said she married Ahmed Hirsi in their Muslim faith tradition in 2002, that they applied for a civil marriage license that year but did not complete the process, and that they separated in 2008. She legally married Ahmed Nur Said Elmi in 2009. The claim that Elmi is her brother is the allegation at issue in this case; Omar has denied it.

      [01]Rep. Comer: Make Evidence Against Rep. Omar Public

      Source excerpt

      I think it should be made public, and I think the members of Congress should be the judge and the jury in this.

      Newsmax’s report of Comer’s September 14 interview, as syndicated on Yahoo News. It also summarizes Omar’s background, including that she has denied for years that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom she married in 2009, is her brother, and that the allegation has not been publicly substantiated.

      Rep. Comer: Make Evidence Against Rep. Omar PublicParagraphs quoting Comer and describing Omar’s background.

3. 2785 days between recorded events

   August 2016

   1 event

   1. 17WedAugust 17, 2016

      In August 2016, Omar denies rumors that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi is her brother

      In a statement released on August 17, 2016, Ilhan Omar, then a candidate for the Minnesota House, called rumors about her personal life and family “absolutely false and ridiculous” and said “insinuations that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi is my brother are absurd and offensive.” FOX 9 reported that the Power Line blog had alleged that Elmi is her brother.

      [02]DFL candidate Ilhan Omar explains marital history in statement

      Source excerpt

      Insinuations that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi is my brother are absurd and offensive,

      FOX 9 reports the statement Omar released on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, denying rumors about her marriage and family, and notes that the Power Line blog alleged that Elmi is her brother.

      DFL candidate Ilhan Omar explains marital history in statementParagraphs quoting Omar’s statement.

4. 3430 days between recorded events

   January 2026

   1 event

   1. 07WedJanuary 7, 2026

      Mace moves to subpoena immigration records related to Omar; the motion is tabled

      At a House Oversight hearing, Rep. Nancy Mace moved to subpoena immigration records related to Rep. Ilhan Omar and a man whom the headline of Mace’s press release calls Omar’s “Alleged Brother/Husband.” Mace’s office said the motion was tabled by both Democrats and Republicans on the committee.

      [03]Rep. Nancy Mace Moves To Subpoena Ilhan Omar And Alleged Brother/Husband In Minnesota Fraud Probe; Motion Blocked By Both Parties

      Source excerpt

      The motion was tabled by both Democrats and Republicans on the Committee.

      Rep. Nancy Mace’s press release on her January 7, 2026 motion at a House Oversight hearing to subpoena immigration records related to Omar and her alleged brother/husband. The characterizations of Omar’s marriage are the release’s own.

      Rep. Nancy Mace Moves To Subpoena Ilhan Omar And Alleged Brother/Husband In Minnesota Fraud Probe; Motion Blocked By Both Parties · Nancy MacePress release, January 8, 2026.

5. 79 days between recorded events

   March 2026

   1 event

   1. 27FriMarch 27, 2026

      Vance says “we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud”

      Claim

      Vice President JD Vance told The Benny Johnson Show that “we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America” and that the administration is working out the legal remedies. Omar’s chief of staff called the claim “a ridiculous lie” on March 29.

      [04]Benny Johnson’s interview with Vice President JD Vance (video)

      Source excerpt

      we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America

      The Benny Johnson Show’s own upload of its interview with Vice President Vance, posted March 27, 2026. Johnson’s question about Omar comes at about 04:28, after a preview of the exchange at the start of the video. The recording date is not stated. The upload’s YouTube headline says Vance “announces” that Omar committed immigration fraud; this record quotes what Vance said.

      Benny Johnson’s interview with Vice President JD Vance (video) · Benny Johnson04:28–05:39 (Johnson’s question and Vance’s answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar); a preview of the exchange runs at 00:10–00:50.

      [05]Ilhan Omar faces call for extradition after Vance’s fraud accusation

      Source excerpt

      This is a ridiculous lie and desperate attempt to distract from the pedophile protection party’s unpopular war of choice, increasing gas prices, and rapidly dropping polling numbers.

      Fox News Digital’s live blog reports Vice President JD Vance’s claim and quotes an emailed statement from Connor McNutt, Rep. Ilhan Omar’s chief of staff, responding to it.

      Ilhan Omar faces call for extradition after Vance’s fraud accusation · Fox NewsLive-blog entry “Omar immigration fraud accusation ‘a ridiculous lie,’ spokesperson says.”

      [06]Can Ilhan Omar Be Deported? What We Know

      Source excerpt

      Connor McNutt, Omar’s chief of staff, dismissed the claim in a statement shared with Newsweek

      Newsweek reports Vice President Vance’s claim and a statement shared with it by Omar’s chief of staff, Connor McNutt, calling the claim “a ridiculous lie” and “a desperate attempt to distract” from political issues.

      Can Ilhan Omar Be Deported? What We KnowParagraph on the statement from Omar’s chief of staff.

6. 26 days between recorded events

   April 2026

   1 event

   1. 22WedApril 22, 2026

      Homan says “the whole file is being reviewed” and tells an audience to “stay tuned”

      Claim

      Speaking on stage with Benny Johnson at a Turning Point USA event at Baylor University, border czar Tom Homan said of Rep. Ilhan Omar, “The whole file is being reviewed. A lot of smart people are on it. Stay tuned.”

      [07]Tom Homan on stage with Benny Johnson at a Turning Point USA event (video clip)

      Source excerpt

      The whole file is being reviewed. A lot of smart people are on it. Stay tuned.

      The Benny Johnson Show’s clip of Homan’s answers on stage, posted April 23, 2026. The Baylor Lariat places the “This Is the Turning Point” event, with Homan and Benny Johnson, at Baylor University’s Waco Hall on Wednesday, April 22. The uploader’s YouTube headline says Homan “confirms” an immigration fraud investigation; this record quotes what he said.

      Tom Homan on stage with Benny Johnson at a Turning Point USA event (video clip) · Benny Johnson00:58–01:36 (Homan’s answers on Rep. Ilhan Omar).

      [08]Turning Point USA event addresses immigration, American families, civil discourse

      Source excerpt

      The event featured Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, “Border Czar” Tom Homan and political commentator Benny Johnson.

      The Baylor Lariat, the student newspaper of Baylor University, reports on the April 22, 2026 Turning Point USA event at Waco Hall at which Homan spoke with Benny Johnson. The article does not report Homan’s remarks on Omar.

      Turning Point USA event addresses immigration, American families, civil discourseReport on the April 22 event.

7. May 2026

   2 events

   1. 01FriMay 1, 2026

      Trump says “I believe she married her brother”

      Claim

      Speaking in The Villages, Florida, President Donald Trump said of Rep. Ilhan Omar, “I would imagine they’re looking at her. I have nothing to do with it,” and “I believe she married her brother, which is totally illegal.”

      [09]President Trump delivers remarks in The Villages in Florida (ABC News livestream)

      Source excerpt

      I believe she married her brother, which is totally illegal.

      ABC News’ livestream of President Trump’s remarks in The Villages, Florida, on May 1, 2026. Trump first mentions Rep. Ilhan Omar at about 15:41; the passage about her marriage runs from about 16:29 to 16:57.

      President Trump delivers remarks in The Villages in Florida (ABC News livestream)16:29–16:57 (remarks on Rep. Ilhan Omar’s marriage; Trump first mentions Omar at about 15:41).

      [10]‘Get the hell out’: Trump calls Omar a despicable ‘phony,’ says ‘she married her brother’

      Source excerpt

      Trump went on to say Omar “married her brother” and called her despicable.

      The National News Desk’s report, carried by KOMO, on President Trump’s May 1, 2026 remarks at The Villages Charter School in Florida. It quotes him calling Omar a “phony” and saying she “married her brother.”

      ‘Get the hell out’: Trump calls Omar a despicable ‘phony,’ says ‘she married her brother’Paragraphs quoting Trump on Omar.
   2. 19TueMay 19, 2026

      Vance says the Justice Department is “looking at” Omar “right now”

      Claim

      At a White House press conference, Vice President JD Vance said “that’s something that the Department of Justice is looking at right now,” and that he did not want to “prejudge an investigation,” according to CBS News Minnesota, which reported that he was also raising questions about immigration fraud and family finances. Omar denied the claim on May 21, saying “there’s nothing to investigate.”

      [11]VP Vance claims DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar: “It certainly seems like something fishy”

      Source excerpt

      that’s something that the Department of Justice is looking at right now

      CBS News Minnesota reports Vice President Vance’s May 19, 2026 remarks at a White House press conference that the Justice Department is “looking at” allegations involving Omar “right now,” and that he did not want to “prejudge an investigation.”

      VP Vance claims DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar: “It certainly seems like something fishy”Paragraphs quoting Vance at a White House press conference.

      [12]Ilhan Omar denies Vance’s claim DOJ is investigating her for fraud

      Source excerpt

      That is not something that is happening. That man is delusional,

      Fox News Digital’s report of Omar’s response. It says Vance’s claim concerned both her immigration history and her financial disclosures, and quotes her denial and her remark that “they’re just saying stupid s---.”

      Ilhan Omar denies Vance’s claim DOJ is investigating her for fraud · Fox NewsOpening paragraphs quoting Omar.

8. 85 days between recorded events

   August 2026

   1 event

   1. 12WedAugust 12, 2026

      Just the News reports that ICE withheld records responsive to a request about an investigation, citing pending enforcement proceedings

      Source release

      Just the News reported on August 12 that ICE had withheld in full, under FOIA Exemption 7(A), records responsive to its January request about any ICE investigation into the allegation that Omar married a relative. ICE’s May 12 letter says disclosure “could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings” and does not name Omar.

      [13]ICE refuses to disclose records on Ilhan Omar fraud probe, cites ongoing ‘enforcement proceedings’

      Source excerpt

      citing a legal exemption for ongoing investigations

      Just the News reports that ICE withheld records responsive to the outlet’s January 2026 Freedom of Information Act request about any ICE investigation into the allegation that Omar married a relative. John Solomon, who is quoted in this case, leads Just the News.

      ICE refuses to disclose records on Ilhan Omar fraud probe, cites ongoing ‘enforcement proceedings’ · Just the NewsOpening paragraphs on the FOIA response.

      [14]ICE final response to a Freedom of Information Act request, case 2026-ICFO-11295

      Source excerpt

      Disclosure of any responsive records at this time could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings.

      ICE’s May 12, 2026 letter to John Solomon withholding in full, under FOIA Exemption 7(A), records about “allegations of immigration fraud involving a member of Congress marrying a relative from 2016-2021.” The letter does not name Omar; Just the News identifies the request as concerning her. The exemption is not a statement about the merits of any allegation.

      ICE final response to a Freedom of Information Act request, case 2026-ICFO-11295 · U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementPage 1, second paragraph.

9. 29 days between recorded events

   September 2026

   9 events

   1. 10ThuSeptember 10, 2026

      Mullin says “we know that she married her brother” in a podcast interview

      Claim

      Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Benny Johnson on the floor of the Republican National Convention that “something’s going to happen,” that there is “an ongoing investigation,” and that “we know that she married her brother to try to bring him in the United States.” Omar has denied the claim.

      [15]Benny Johnson’s interview with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the Republican National Convention (video)

      Source excerpt

      We know that she married her brother to try to bring him in the United States.

      The Benny Johnson Show’s own upload of its interview with Secretary Mullin, recorded on the floor of the Republican National Convention on Thursday, September 10, 2026 and posted on September 11. Mullin’s answer about Rep. Ilhan Omar begins after Johnson says there have been “breadcrumb trails” about action on Omar. News outlets print small variants of Mullin’s words, such as “to” or “into” for “in the United States” and “he now lives in London”; the quotation in this record follows the audio. The upload’s YouTube headline says Mullin “confirms” the claim; that is the show’s characterization, and this record quotes what Mullin said.

      Benny Johnson’s interview with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the Republican National Convention (video) · Benny Johnson08:47–10:29 (Mullin’s answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).

      [16]WATCH: Ilhan Omar denies feds have contacted her after border czar Homan confirms ‘criminal’ investigation

      Source excerpt

      There has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar.

      Fox News Digital’s report of Omar’s remarks, bylined Hannah Brennan; the accompanying video is credited to Nicholas Ballasy. It quotes Omar saying DHS has not reached out to her, notes that Omar has repeatedly denied the marriage claim and any claim that DHS or the Justice Department opened an investigation, and says there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation. It also reports that Vice President JD Vance claimed in May that the Justice Department was looking into allegations against Omar.

      WATCH: Ilhan Omar denies feds have contacted her after border czar Homan confirms ‘criminal’ investigation · Fox NewsOpening paragraphs quoting Omar, and the paragraph on public evidence.
   2. 11FriSeptember 11, 2026

      DHS says it does not comment on ongoing investigations

      Reaction

      A DHS spokesperson told Newsweek that “as a matter of policy, DHS does not comment on specific investigative techniques, ongoing investigations, or potential future actions,” and that “no one, including members of Congress, are above the law.”

      [17]Ilhan Omar Investigation: DHS Chief Reveals New Details About Probe

      Source excerpt

      No one, including members of Congress, are above the law.

      Newsweek reports DHS Secretary Mullin’s claim and quotes a statement from an unnamed DHS spokesperson given to Newsweek on Friday, September 11, 2026. JNS reports the same statement.

      Ilhan Omar Investigation: DHS Chief Reveals New Details About ProbeParagraphs quoting the DHS spokesperson.
   3. 13SunSeptember 13, 2026

      Homan declines to give specifics of an “ongoing criminal investigation” into Omar

      Claim

      On Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, White House border czar Tom Homan said he was “not going to comment on ongoing criminal investigation” and could not “give specifics,” said that if someone committed an immigration violation or marriage fraud, “regardless if they’re a congressman or not, no one’s above the law,” and, asked whether he was confirming an investigation into Omar, gave an answer that Fox’s article prints as “I’m confirming that ICE is, yeah — look, I said months ago that there’s something that’s been reported and needs to be looked at.” The recording of that answer is hard to make out.

      [18]Tom Homan reacts to Denver lawsuit seeking to block ICE at polls

      Source excerpt

      regardless if they’re a congressman or not, no one’s above the law

      Fox News’ video of White House border czar Tom Homan’s interview on The Sunday Briefing, aired Sunday, September 13, 2026. The host asks about DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s comments on Rep. Ilhan Omar beginning at about 04:05. Homan’s answer to the follow-up question at about 05:41–05:51 is hard to make out on the recording; Fox’s article prints it.

      Tom Homan reacts to Denver lawsuit seeking to block ICE at polls · Fox News04:05–07:00 (question and answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).

      [19]Tom Homan confirms criminal investigation into Ilhan Omar’s alleged fraud

      Source excerpt

      I’m confirming that ICE is, yeah — look, I said months ago that there’s something that’s been reported and needs to be looked at.

      Fox News’ report on Homan’s Sunday Briefing interview. It quotes his answers on the investigation and on denaturalization and notes that he declined to disclose details of what he described as an “ongoing criminal investigation.”

      Tom Homan confirms criminal investigation into Ilhan Omar’s alleged fraud · Fox NewsParagraphs quoting Homan on the investigation and on denaturalization.
   4. 14MonSeptember 14, 2026

      Comer says the evidence should be made public and Congress should vote on whether Omar stays

      Reaction

      On Just the News, No Noise, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said “they should make it public” and that members of Congress “should be the judge and the jury,” and asked whether someone who violated the law to become a citizen should be ineligible to serve in Congress, answering “I think so.”

      [20]Comer demands release of Ilhan Omar immigration evidence so Congress can weigh expulsion

      Source excerpt

      I think they should make it public. Absolutely, make it public.

      Just the News reports the Monday-night, September 14, 2026 interview with Rep. James Comer on its own program, Just the News, No Noise. We could not locate a recording of the interview, so Comer’s wording here is taken from this report and from the Washington Examiner and Newsmax accounts, which print the same passages.

      Comer demands release of Ilhan Omar immigration evidence so Congress can weigh expulsion · Just the NewsParagraphs quoting Comer’s interview on Just the News, No Noise.

      [21]James Comer seeks immigration fraud evidence on Ilhan Omar

      Source excerpt

      Let us vote as to whether or not she needs to remain in Congress.

      The Washington Examiner also reports and quotes Comer’s September 14 interview on Just the News, No Noise, including his call for the evidence to be made public and for Congress to vote on whether Omar stays in office.

      James Comer seeks immigration fraud evidence on Ilhan OmarParagraphs quoting Comer’s interview on Just the News, No Noise.
   5. 14MonSeptember 14, 2026

      Jeffries calls the Omar investigation “not a credible investigation”

      Reaction

      Asked by a LindellTV correspondent whether he supports the DHS investigation of Rep. Ilhan Omar, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said “that’s not a credible investigation” and that the issues had been raised by “far right provocateurs.”

      [22]LindellTV’s video of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answering a question on the Omar investigation

      Source excerpt

      That’s not a credible investigation.

      LindellTV’s video, posted at 4:08 p.m. EDT on September 14, 2026, of a question from its correspondent Alison Steinberg to Jeffries. LindellTV does not state the time or venue of the press conference.

      LindellTV’s video of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answering a question on the Omar investigation00:14–00:35 (Jeffries’s answer).
   6. 15TueSeptember 15, 2026

      Attorney General Blanche declines to discuss ongoing investigations

      Reaction

      Asked at a White House briefing whether the administration would deport Rep. Ilhan Omar if she were found to have committed immigration fraud, Attorney General Todd Blanche said “I’m not talking about ongoing criminal investigations.”

      [23]Attorney General of the United States Todd Blanche Briefs Members of the Media, Sep. 15, 2026

      Source excerpt

      I’m not talking about ongoing criminal investigations

      The White House’s video of Attorney General Todd Blanche’s September 15, 2026 briefing. A reporter asks about Tom Homan’s remarks on Rep. Ilhan Omar at about 08:14.

      Attorney General of the United States Todd Blanche Briefs Members of the Media, Sep. 15, 2026 · The White House08:04–08:56 (reporter’s question and Blanche’s answer).
   7. 16WedSeptember 16, 2026

      Omar tells a LindellTV reporter “Absolutely not” and that she is not under investigation

      Reaction

      Asked by LindellTV’s Alison Steinberg whether she married her brother, Rep. Ilhan Omar answered “Absolutely not,” and, asked whether she is being criminally investigated, said “I am not.”

      [24]LindellTV’s video of correspondent Alison Steinberg questioning Rep. Ilhan Omar

      Source excerpt

      Absolutely not. That’s disgusting. Nobody should be doing that.

      A 39-second video posted by LindellTV at 2:57 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2026, in which its correspondent Alison Steinberg questions Rep. Ilhan Omar on camera. LindellTV’s caption censors Omar’s profanity; the audio does not.

      LindellTV’s video of correspondent Alison Steinberg questioning Rep. Ilhan Omar00:00–00:38.
   8. 18FriSeptember 18, 2026

      Omar says DHS has not contacted her about an investigation

      Reaction

      Rep. Ilhan Omar answered questions from Fox News Digital’s Nicholas Ballasy about the DHS investigation. Fox reported her saying DHS had not reached out to her, and she said she does not “really worry about it.” Fox also reported that there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar. Fox published its version on September 18, with Omar’s profanity bleeped, and Ballasy posted a video on X on September 19 in which it is audible; neither says when the exchange was recorded.

      [25]Nicholas Ballasy’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar answering his questions about the DHS investigation

      Source excerpt

      The right wing has always had this shit going, so I don’t really worry about it.

      The video posted by Fox News Digital reporter Nicholas Ballasy at 5:42 a.m. EDT on September 19, 2026, the day after Fox published its version. Neither says when the exchange was recorded. Fox bleeps Omar’s profanity; this video does not.

      Nicholas Ballasy’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar answering his questions about the DHS investigation00:00–00:41 (Ballasy’s questions and Omar’s answers).

      [26]SEE IT: Ilhan Omar says DHS hasn’t notified her of criminal investigation

      Source excerpt

      The right wing has always had this s--- going, so I don’t really worry about it.

      Fox News Digital’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar answering questions from reporter Nicholas Ballasy, to whom the video is credited. Fox published it on September 18, 2026 and does not say when it was recorded. Fox’s text prints Omar’s profanity as “s---.”

      SEE IT: Ilhan Omar says DHS hasn’t notified her of criminal investigation · Fox News00:00–00:41 (Ballasy’s questions and Omar’s answers).

      [16]WATCH: Ilhan Omar denies feds have contacted her after border czar Homan confirms ‘criminal’ investigation

      Source excerpt

      There has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar.

      Fox News Digital’s report of Omar’s remarks, bylined Hannah Brennan; the accompanying video is credited to Nicholas Ballasy. It quotes Omar saying DHS has not reached out to her, notes that Omar has repeatedly denied the marriage claim and any claim that DHS or the Justice Department opened an investigation, and says there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation. It also reports that Vice President JD Vance claimed in May that the Justice Department was looking into allegations against Omar.

      WATCH: Ilhan Omar denies feds have contacted her after border czar Homan confirms ‘criminal’ investigation · Fox NewsOpening paragraphs quoting Omar, and the paragraph on public evidence.
   9. 19SatSeptember 19, 2026

      Snopes reports no credible evidence for Mullin’s claim

      Snopes published an article headlined “Did Ilhan Omar marry her brother? No evidence backing Mullin’s claim,” recapping that it had previously reported the claim as unfounded.

      [27]Did Ilhan Omar marry her brother? No evidence backing Mullin’s claim

      Source excerpt

      Snopes has previously reported on this claim about Omar marrying her brother and concluded it was unfounded, meaning there's no credible evidence supporting it.

      Snopes’ fact-check of DHS Secretary Mullin’s claim, published September 19, 2026. It concludes that there is no credible evidence for the claim that Omar married her brother, and recaps that Snopes had previously rated the claim unfounded.

      Did Ilhan Omar marry her brother? No evidence backing Mullin’s claim · SnopesOpening paragraphs and conclusion.