Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother, and border czar Tom Homan cites an “ongoing criminal investigation.” Omar denies it. Snopes finds no credible evidence for the claim; Fox reports no public evidence of an investigation.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The fixed reference point for classification in this case is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, and its announcement that she is under federal criminal investigation. The accusation has been made in different words by Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump, and on September 10, 2026 by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in a podcast interview (opens in a new tab); border czar Tom Homan referred to an “ongoing criminal investigation” on The Sunday Briefing on September 13 (opens in a new tab). Responses are recorded against that public accusation and announced investigation, not against whether Omar committed the alleged acts, which this record does not establish. A statement that only reports the accusation is not recorded as a position, and non-response is not a position.
The allegation that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom Omar legally married in 2009, is her brother has circulated since at least 2016. Omar has denied it since 2016, and Snopes (opens in a new tab) reported on September 19, 2026 that there is no credible evidence for it. Fox News (opens in a new tab) reported on September 18 that there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar. Some remarks in this case also touch on other controversies, such as Omar’s financial disclosures, which are outside its scope.
People in this case
Ilhan OmarDirectly involved
JD VanceDirectly involved
Donald TrumpDirectly involved
Timeline
18 timeline entries on this page. Dates: January 1, 2000 to September 19, 2026
January 2000
1 event
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.
3288 days between recorded events
January 2009
1 event
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.
2785 days between recorded events
August 2016
1 event
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.
3430 days between recorded events
January 2026
1 event
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.
79 days between recorded events
March 2026
1 event
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.
26 days between recorded events
April 2026
1 event
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.
May 2026
2 events
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.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.
85 days between recorded events
August 2026
1 event
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.
29 days between recorded events
September 2026
9 events
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.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.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.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.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).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).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.
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.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.
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 17. Dates: March 27, 2026 to September 18, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
9 responses on this page
Ilhan OmarDirectly involved"Why don’t you follow up with them and ask them what is the information that they have” … “The right wing has always had this shit going, so I don’t really worry about it. You have a good day."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)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).Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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).Open source (opens in a new tab)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.CondemnedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Omar answers the officials’ claims by telling the reporter to ask them what information they have, by saying DHS has not contacted her, and by dismissing the marriage allegation as something the right wing “has always had this shit going.” That criticizes the accusation as a recurring partisan attack, though she does not address in this exchange whether it is true. The closest competing labels are challenges_characterization, because she questions the officials’ information and says she has not been contacted, and minimizes, because she says she does not “really worry about it.” They lose because she goes beyond disputing a description by characterizing the accusation itself as something the right wing “has always had this shit going,” and she concedes no concern to downplay. Ending the exchange does not make it explicitly_declines, because she answered each question first.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked by Fox News Digital’s Nicholas Ballasy for a response to statements by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Tom Homan that, in his words, she “allegedly violated immigration law” and is “under criminal investigation,” Rep. Ilhan Omar suggested he ask them what information they have. Asked whether DHS had reached out to her formally or sent her any letters, she said no, and said no again when Ballasy asked “Not at all?” Asked about the allegation that she married her brother, she said “the right wing has always had this shit going, so I don’t really worry about it,” and closed the exchange with “You have a good day.”
Role at the time: U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, answering questions from Fox News Digital reporter Nicholas Ballasy
Before the statement
Ballasy first asked whether Omar had a response to the DHS secretary and Tom Homan saying she allegedly violated immigration law and is under criminal investigation, then whether DHS had reached out to her formally or sent her any letters saying she is under investigation.
After the statement
Fox News Digital’s article quotes Omar as saying “No, they have not,” after being asked whether DHS had reached out; her answer in the video is a single short word and hard to make out. Ballasy then asked for her response to the allegation that she married her brother. Fox reported that Omar has repeatedly denied the claim and any claim that DHS or the Justice Department has opened an investigation of her, and that there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation. Neither Fox nor Ballasy says when the exchange was recorded. On September 16, in a separate exchange, Omar told a LindellTV reporter that she is not under investigation.
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).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).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.- Ilhan OmarDirectly involved
"Absolutely not. What a ridiculous thing to ask.” … “Absolutely not. That’s disgusting. Nobody should be doing that.” … “I am not.” … “He is. He’s been saying some dumb shit, like you."
Read the original post (opens in a new tab)LindellTV’s video of correspondent Alison Steinberg questioning Rep. Ilhan Omar00:00–00:38.CondemnedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Omar flatly denies the marriage allegation, denies that she is under criminal investigation, and says of Homan, “He’s been saying some dumb shit.” That expressly rejects and denounces both the accusation and the announced investigation. The closest competing label is challenges_characterization, because she disputes the facts; it loses because she also denounces the accusation as “disgusting” and attacks the official who announced the investigation.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked by LindellTV’s Alison Steinberg whether she married her brother, Rep. Ilhan Omar answered “Absolutely not,” called the question “ridiculous” and the idea “disgusting,” and, asked “Why are you being criminally investigated?”, said “I am not.” Asked whether Tom Homan is “a liar,” she said, “He is. He’s been saying some dumb shit, like you.”
Role at the time: U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, answering questions from a LindellTV correspondent
Before the statement
Steinberg began, “Tom Homan said that you’re under criminal investigation for immigration and marriage fraud. Any comment on that?” Omar said “No, I don’t have a comment for that.” Steinberg asked whether she thinks she “should be above the law”; Omar said “I am not above the law.” Steinberg then asked, “can you just tell us straight up, did you marry your brother?”
After the statement
Steinberg asked “Why are you being criminally investigated?” and, after Omar’s first “I am not,” said “Yes, you are.” After Omar’s second “I am not,” she asked, “Well, then Tom Homan’s a liar or what?” LindellTV’s post does not say where the exchange took place. On September 18 Fox News Digital reported Omar saying that DHS had not contacted her.
Tom HomanDirectly involved "I’m not going to comment on ongoing criminal investigation. I know things are going on, but I can’t give specifics of what’s happening.” … “if someone committed marriage fraud or anything like that, regardless if they’re a congressman or not, no one’s above the law. So I’ll leave it at that. We’ll let HSI, Homeland Security Investigations, continue the investigation."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Tom Homan reacts to Denver lawsuit seeking to block ICE at polls · Fox News04:05–07:00 (question and answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).Open source (opens in a new tab)Tom Homan confirms criminal investigation into Ilhan Omar’s alleged fraud · Fox NewsParagraphs quoting Homan on the investigation and on denaturalization.Defended or excusedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Homan neither states the allegation as fact nor gives specifics. He says that if someone committed an immigration violation or marriage fraud, “no one’s above the law,” that HSI will continue the investigation, and, pressed on whether he was confirming an investigation, gives 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.” That defends the investigation and its announcement. The closest competing label is explicitly_declines, because he says he will not comment on the investigation; it loses because he then endorses the inquiry and answers the follow-up question that asks him to confirm it.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing whether the federal government has evidence that Rep. Ilhan Omar committed immigration or naturalization fraud, White House border czar Tom Homan said he was “not going to comment on ongoing criminal investigation” and could not “give specifics,” but 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 that Homeland Security Investigations would continue the investigation. Pressed on whether he was confirming an investigation into Omar, he answered, as Fox’s article prints it, “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.”
Role at the time: White House border czar, interviewed on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing
Before the statement
The host noted that Omar “has repeatedly denied this allegation” and that her chief of staff “last year called it a ridiculous lie” (Fox News Digital reported the chief of staff’s statement on March 29, 2026), then asked whether the federal government has evidence that Omar committed immigration or naturalization fraud, because the DHS secretary “appeared to be making a declarative statement” about her in his podcast interview.
After the statement
The host then said Mullin “was, by the way, speaking in generalities” when he said “we’ll deport you,” and asked what would need to happen for Omar “to be kicked out of the country if some fraud is proven” and whether a denaturalization case is being brought against her. Homan answered in general terms: he called denaturalization “very serious” and said that if someone “lies through that process to becoming a citizen and we can prove they, in fact, lied or misrepresented themselves, we can absolutely denaturalize them.” Fox News Digital reported five days later that Omar said DHS has not contacted her.
Tom Homan reacts to Denver lawsuit seeking to block ICE at polls · Fox News04:05–07:00 (question and answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).Tom Homan confirms criminal investigation into Ilhan Omar’s alleged fraud · Fox NewsParagraphs quoting Homan on the investigation and on denaturalization.
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityDirectly involved"As a matter of policy, DHS does not comment on specific investigative techniques, ongoing investigations, or potential future actions,” … “No one, including members of Congress, are above the law."
Open source (opens in a new tab)Ilhan Omar Investigation: DHS Chief Reveals New Details About ProbeParagraphs quoting the DHS spokesperson.Open source (opens in a new tab)US agency won’t comment on ongoing probes, after its head said at GOP midterm event that Ilhan Omar married her brotherParagraphs quoting the DHS spokesman and Mullin.Explicitly stayed outCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. The statement declines to confirm or discuss any investigation, citing a policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations, and adds a general statement that no one is above the law without repeating or endorsing the accusation. The closest competing label is defends_or_excuses, because of the “no one … above the law” line; it loses because that line is generic and the statement neither repeats Mullin’s claim nor confirms a probe.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
In a statement to Newsweek the day after DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s remarks in an interview with Benny Johnson about Rep. Ilhan Omar, an unnamed DHS spokesperson said “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.” As Newsweek prints it, the statement does not name Omar.
Role at the time: Unnamed Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, in a statement to Newsweek
Before the statement
Mullin had said the day before, in an interview with Benny Johnson, that “this is an ongoing investigation.” Newsweek reported that DHS “could not comment on specific investigations.” JNS reported the same statement as given to it after Mullin’s remarks.
After the statement
On September 13 Homan likewise said he would not comment on ongoing criminal investigations.
Ilhan Omar Investigation: DHS Chief Reveals New Details About ProbeParagraphs quoting the DHS spokesperson.US agency won’t comment on ongoing probes, after its head said at GOP midterm event that Ilhan Omar married her brotherParagraphs quoting the DHS spokesman and Mullin.Markwayne MullinDirectly involved "Something’s going to happen. And this is an ongoing investigation. We know that she married her brother to try to bring him in the United States. We know he lives now in London.” … “there may be more to this, the whole family migration and possibly some illegal activity for them to come to the United States to begin with.” … “If you decided to break the law or lie on the information you gave the United States … you lied about certain things about your application, those things, there’s no expiration to that. If we can prove it, then you shouldn’t have been here in the first place. We’ll deport you."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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).Open source (opens in a new tab)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.Defended or excusedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Mullin makes the accusation himself and presents it as known (“we know that she married her brother”), says an investigation is ongoing, and adds, in the second person and without naming Omar, that people who lied on their applications can be deported if that is proved. That defends the accusation and its pursuit rather than merely reporting it. The closest competing label is mixed_or_conditional, because he says he would act only if a claim can be proved and that any case would not be political; it loses because those qualifications concern how a case would proceed, while the underlying claim about Omar is stated as fact without condition.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
In an interview with podcaster Benny Johnson on the floor of the Republican National Convention, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, asked about Rep. Ilhan Omar, said “something’s going to happen” and that “this is an ongoing investigation.” He said “we know that she married her brother to try to bring him in the United States” and that “there may be more to this.” Using the second person (“you”) rather than naming Omar, he then said that if someone lied on their application and the government can prove it, that person “shouldn’t have been here in the first place” and “We’ll deport you.” He said any case the administration brings is “not political.” Mullin’s description of Omar’s marriage is his own claim.
Role at the time: Secretary of Homeland Security, interviewed by podcaster Benny Johnson on the floor of the Republican National Convention
Before the statement
Johnson said there had been “a lot of breadcrumb trails from the administration” about action on Omar, that Vice President JD Vance had told his show the administration believes Omar committed immigration fraud, and that Tom Homan had told him at a Turning Point event to “get ready” and that “something’s about to happen.” He asked what was going to happen. Johnson’s account paraphrases those remarks; the recorded words of Vance and Homan are in this case.
After the statement
Mullin went on to say that when the administration moves forward it is “not political,” that “it’s because you chose to break the nation’s laws,” that “it’s more than just her case,” and that officials are looking at “a lot of cases that are very similar to this.” Fox News Digital reported on September 18 that Omar has repeatedly denied the marriage claim and any claim that an investigation of her has been opened, and that “there has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar.”
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).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.- Ilhan OmarDirectly involved
"That is not something that is happening. That man is delusional.” … “Absolutely not. I don’t think they are using any resources. They’re just saying stupid shit.” … “No, because there’s nothing to investigate."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)Omar mocks Vance DOJ immigration fraud probe claim: ‘They’re just saying stupid s---’ · Fox News00:00–00:35 (reporters’ questions and Omar’s answers on the Justice Department claim).Open source (opens in a new tab)Ilhan Omar denies Vance’s claim DOJ is investigating her for fraud · Fox NewsOpening paragraphs quoting Omar.Open source (opens in a new tab)VP Vance claims DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar: “It certainly seems like something fishy”Paragraphs quoting Vance at a White House press conference.CondemnedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Omar rejects the claim that the Justice Department is investigating her, says “they’re just saying stupid shit,” and says there is “nothing to investigate.” That denounces the claim that an investigation exists; in this exchange she does not address the marriage allegation itself. The closest competing label is challenges_characterization, because she disputes the claim that an investigation exists; it loses because she also derides the claim and says nothing will be found.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked by reporters about Vice President JD Vance’s claim that the Justice Department is investigating her, Rep. Ilhan Omar said “that is not something that is happening.” Asked whether she thinks they will find anything, she said “absolutely not,” that “I don’t think they are using any resources,” and that “they’re just saying stupid shit.” Asked whether she had been told she is the subject of an investigation, she said “no, because there’s nothing to investigate.” Fox prints her first answer as “That man is delusional.”
Role at the time: U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, answering Fox News Digital reporters’ questions
Before the statement
CBS News Minnesota reported that on May 19 Vance said at a White House press conference, “that’s something that the Department of Justice is looking at right now.” The first reporter’s question asks Omar for a response to Vance saying the Justice Department is investigating her for potentially violating immigration law.
After the statement
Fox reported that Vance’s claim concerned both her immigration history and her financial disclosures. The rest of the video, about House Republicans’ interest in her and her husband’s net worth, is outside this case.
Omar mocks Vance DOJ immigration fraud probe claim: ‘They’re just saying stupid s---’ · Fox News00:00–00:35 (reporters’ questions and Omar’s answers on the Justice Department claim).Ilhan Omar denies Vance’s claim DOJ is investigating her for fraud · Fox NewsOpening paragraphs quoting Omar.VP Vance claims DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar: “It certainly seems like something fishy”Paragraphs quoting Vance at a White House press conference.
Show fewer responses
Donald TrumpDirectly involved"But I think, I would imagine they’re looking at her. I have nothing to do with it. I would imagine. Of course I have nothing to do. I have nothing, but I believe she married her brother, which is totally illegal. Although it’s a lovely couple actually, but it’s a little bit on the illegal side."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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).Open source (opens in a new tab)‘Get the hell out’: Trump calls Omar a despicable ‘phony,’ says ‘she married her brother’Paragraphs quoting Trump on Omar.Defended or excusedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Trump states as his belief that Omar married her brother and that it is “totally illegal,” and says he imagines investigators are looking at her, while saying he has “nothing to do with it.” That asserts the accusation and speculates that officials are looking at her. The closest competing label is mixed_or_conditional, because he frames the probe as his own supposition; it loses because he states the belief about the marriage without condition.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
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.” He added, “Although it’s a lovely couple actually, but it’s a little bit on the illegal side.”
Role at the time: President of the United States, speaking at The Villages Charter School in Florida
Before the statement
The National News Desk reported that shortly before this passage Trump said “Get the hell out” and “What a phony!” Immediately before the quoted text, Trump said “And then she married a brother to come in. I don’t know.” (KOMO prints “her brother.”)
After the statement
Trump then said, “Darling, I love you very much. Good night, brother. Let’s go to bed.”
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).‘Get the hell out’: Trump calls Omar a despicable ‘phony,’ says ‘she married her brother’Paragraphs quoting Trump on Omar.Tom HomanDirectly involved "The whole file is being reviewed. A lot of smart people are on it. Stay tuned.” … “I can’t get ahead of the investigation, but I know people are involved in the review, and they’re really smart people, and it’s in good hands."
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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).Open source (opens in a new tab)Turning Point USA event addresses immigration, American families, civil discourseReport on the April 22 event.Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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).Defended or excusedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Homan neither states the allegation as fact nor gives details, but, asked whether the administration is “going to go there” on Omar, he says “the whole file is being reviewed” and tells the audience to “stay tuned.” That defends the announced review. The closest competing label is explicitly_declines, because he says he cannot “get ahead of the investigation”; it loses because he first describes a review in progress and invites anticipation of its results.
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked on stage by Benny Johnson whether the Trump administration is “going to go there” on Rep. Ilhan Omar, White House border czar Tom Homan said “the whole file is being reviewed,” that “a lot of smart people are on it,” and “stay tuned.” Asked which crimes might be involved, he said he could not “get ahead of the investigation” but that “people are involved in the review” and that it is “in good hands.”
Role at the time: White House border czar, speaking on stage with Benny Johnson at a Turning Point USA event at Baylor University
Before the statement
Johnson said that about two and a half weeks earlier, in an interview with Vice President Vance, Vance told him that “Stephen Miller’s upstairs and he has proof that Ilhan Omar lied on our immigration forms.” That is Johnson’s account of Vance’s words. Johnson added, “We have that paperwork. We know she did this. And now we’re looking for how to take action,” and asked Homan whether the administration is “going to go there.”
After the statement
At about 08:36 of his September 10 interview with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Johnson said Homan had told him on stage at a Turning Point event to “get ready” and that “something’s about to happen.”
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).Turning Point USA event addresses immigration, American families, civil discourseReport on the April 22 event.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).
JD VanceDirectly involved"Yeah, so we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America. And I talked to Stephen Miller about this actually recently. We’re trying to look at what the remedies are. That’s the thing that we’re trying to figure out is what are the legal remedies now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud? How do you go after her? How do you investigate her? How do you actually do the thing? How do you build the case necessary to get some justice for the American people?"
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)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.Open source (opens in a new tab)Ilhan Omar faces call for extradition after Vance’s fraud accusation · Fox NewsLive-blog entry “Omar immigration fraud accusation ‘a ridiculous lie,’ spokesperson says.”Defended or excusedCase context: Should Trump administration officials publicly accuse Rep. Ilhan Omar of immigration fraud?
Why this label?
The case’s fixed reference point is the Trump administration’s public accusation that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother to obtain immigration benefits, together with its announced federal criminal investigation of her. Vance asserts the accusation as the administration’s view (“we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud”), says the administration is working out how to “go after her” and “investigate her,” and speaks of building a case. That defends the accusation and its pursuit. The closest competing label is mixed_or_conditional, because he begins with “we actually think” and speaks of a case still to be built; it loses because he goes on to state the conclusion without condition (“now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud”).
This label describes the statement’s response within the context above.
Read context and background
Asked by Benny Johnson for an update on claims that Rep. Ilhan Omar married her brother and committed immigration fraud, Vice President JD Vance said “we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America.” He said he had talked to Stephen Miller about it, that the administration is trying to work out “the legal remedies now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud,” and asked how to “build the case necessary to get some justice for the American people.” Vance did not mention the brother claim in this answer.
Role at the time: Vice President of the United States, interviewed on The Benny Johnson Show
Before the statement
Johnson said that the president and the White House had been saying that Omar married her brother and that there is immigration fraud, called these “deportable denaturalization offenses,” and asked Vance for an update.
After the statement
Vance went on to say that Omar has been at the center of “a lot of the worst fraudsters” in the Somali community and that he is worried about “what did Ilhan Omar know about what was happening in the Somali community.” About whether Omar was aware that the Quality Learning Center was defrauding the American people, he said “I’m not certain of it, but we at least need to investigate it.” Two days after the interview was posted, Omar’s chief of staff called the claim “a ridiculous lie.”
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.Ilhan Omar faces call for extradition after Vance’s fraud accusation · Fox NewsLive-blog entry “Omar immigration fraud accusation ‘a ridiculous lie,’ spokesperson says.”
Sources
(40)
Original video
Benny Johnson’s interview with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the Republican National Convention (video)
Relevant passage: 08:47–10:29 (Mullin’s answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).
Excerpt
"We know that she married her brother to try to bring him in the United States."
About this source
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.
- Author
- Benny Johnson
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Benny Johnson’s X post on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the investigation
Excerpt
"Send her back."
About this source
Benny Johnson’s own post, published at 8:11 p.m. EDT on September 17, 2026, with an attached video of Rep. Ilhan Omar being questioned.
- Author
- Benny Johnson
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rep. Nancy Mace’s X post quote-posting LindellTV’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar
Excerpt
"One word: Deport."
About this source
Rep. Nancy Mace’s post from her official account, published at 8:30 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2026.
- Author
- Nancy Mace
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Trump adviser on how Ilhan Omar can be ‘deported back to Somalia’ (Newsmax)
Relevant passage: 01:15–02:10 (Solomon’s answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).
Excerpt
"There’s a pretty good, strong body of evidence."
About this source
Newsmax’s video of an interview with John Solomon, posted at 8:56 p.m. EDT on September 14, 2026 (00:56 UTC on September 15); the video does not show when the interview aired. Solomon says in it that he chairs the White House Government Transparency Task Force; the video’s headline calls him a “Trump adviser.”
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Jeffries on the Ilhan Omar investigation: “That’s not a credible investigation.”
Relevant passage: Page carrying the video and LindellTV’s summary.
Excerpt
"That’s not a credible investigation."
About this source
LindellTV’s website page carrying the same video, with a publication time of about 12:24 p.m. EDT on September 14, 2026, earlier than its X post.
- Author
- LindellTV
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Jonathan Turley’s X thread on Mullin’s claim about Rep. Ilhan Omar (later post)
Excerpt
"Again, it is not clear what, if any, new evidence is being referenced by Mullen."
About this source
A later post in Turley’s thread, published at 8:32 p.m. EDT on September 12, 2026.
- Author
- Jonathan Turley
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Jonathan Turley’s X thread on Mullin’s claim about Rep. Ilhan Omar (second post)
Excerpt
"It is unclear what evidence Mullen gathered to allegedly establish this fact."
About this source
The second post of Turley’s thread, published at 5:15 p.m. EDT on September 12, 2026.
- Author
- Jonathan Turley
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Jonathan Turley’s X thread on Mullin’s claim about Rep. Ilhan Omar (first post)
Excerpt
"There was a surprising development regarding long-standing but unproven allegations against Rep. Ilhan Omar."
About this source
The first post of a thread by law professor Jonathan Turley, published at 5:12 p.m. EDT on September 12, 2026. Turley spells the Secretary’s name “Mullen” throughout.
- Author
- Jonathan Turley
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
The Latest Right-Wing Revolt Against Markwayne Mullin Is the Wildest Yet
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Tomi Lahren’s remarks.
Excerpt
"If they want to do an investigation, do an investigation,"
About this source
The Bulwark reports Fox News host Tomi Lahren’s Saturday remarks criticizing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s handling of the Omar allegation, among other conservative reactions to it.
- Author
- Will Sommer
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Nick Sortor’s X post of a video clip of Tomi Lahren’s remarks on DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin
Excerpt
"Nothing would make me happier than to see Ilhan Omar deported for immigration fraud."
About this source
A video clip of Tomi Lahren’s remarks on Fox News Channel’s The Big Weekend Show, posted by commentator Nick Sortor at 5:52 p.m. EDT on September 12, 2026. The clip begins mid-exchange. We could not locate the program’s own upload; The Bulwark also reports the remarks.
- Author
- Nick Sortor
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Justice Democrats’ X post on DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s claim about Rep. Ilhan Omar
Excerpt
"What a disgusting and racist lie."
About this source
Justice Democrats’ own post, published at 5:55 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2026, quote-posting Benny Johnson’s post of Mullin’s remarks.
- Author
- Justice Democrats
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rep. Delia Ramirez’s X post on DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s claim about Rep. Ilhan Omar
Excerpt
"Like his predecessor, he is using his position as Secretary to spread lies, conspiracy theories, and enact Trump’s political vengeance."
About this source
Rep. Delia Ramirez’s own post, published at 6:33 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2026, quote-posting Benny Johnson’s post of Mullin’s remarks.
- Author
- Delia C. Ramirez
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
US agency won’t comment on ongoing probes, after its head said at GOP midterm event that Ilhan Omar married her brother
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting the DHS spokesman and Mullin.
Excerpt
"No one, including members of Congress, are above the law,"
About this source
JNS reports the same statement from a DHS spokesman, given to JNS on Friday, September 11, 2026, after Mullin’s remarks at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas.
- Author
- Jessica Russak-Hoffman
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Omar mocks Vance DOJ immigration fraud probe claim: ‘They’re just saying stupid s---’
Relevant passage: 00:00–00:35 (reporters’ questions and Omar’s answers on the Justice Department claim).
Excerpt
"No, because there’s nothing to investigate."
About this source
Fox News Digital’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar answering reporters’ questions about Vice President JD Vance’s claim that the Justice Department is investigating her, published May 21, 2026; Fox does not say when it was recorded. Her first answer, which Fox prints as “That man is delusional,” is hard to make out on the recording. Fox prints her profanity as “s---.”
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Did Ilhan Omar marry her brother? No evidence backing Mullin’s claim
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs and conclusion.
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."
About this source
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.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DFL candidate Ilhan Omar explains marital history in statement
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Omar’s statement.
Excerpt
"Insinuations that Ahmed Nur Said Elmi is my brother are absurd and offensive,"
About this source
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.
- Author
- FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Nicholas Ballasy’s video of Rep. Ilhan Omar answering his questions about the DHS investigation
Excerpt
"The right wing has always had this shit going, so I don’t really worry about it."
About this source
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.
- Author
- Nicholas Ballasy
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Rep. Nancy Mace Moves To Subpoena Ilhan Omar And Alleged Brother/Husband In Minnesota Fraud Probe; Motion Blocked By Both Parties
Relevant passage: Press release, January 8, 2026.
Excerpt
"The motion was tabled by both Democrats and Republicans on the Committee."
About this source
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.
- Author
- Office of Rep. Nancy Mace
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
LindellTV’s video of correspondent Alison Steinberg questioning Rep. Ilhan Omar
Excerpt
"Absolutely not. That’s disgusting. Nobody should be doing that."
About this source
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.
- Author
- LindellTV
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Attorney General of the United States Todd Blanche Briefs Members of the Media, Sep. 15, 2026
Relevant passage: 08:04–08:56 (reporter’s question and Blanche’s answer).
Excerpt
"I’m not talking about ongoing criminal investigations"
About this source
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.
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
ICE final response to a Freedom of Information Act request, case 2026-ICFO-11295
Relevant passage: Page 1, second paragraph.
Excerpt
"Disclosure of any responsive records at this time could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings."
About this source
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.
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Reporting
ICE refuses to disclose records on Ilhan Omar fraud probe, cites ongoing ‘enforcement proceedings’
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs on the FOIA response.
Excerpt
"citing a legal exemption for ongoing investigations"
About this source
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.
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- Steven Richards
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Original post
LindellTV’s video of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries answering a question on the Omar investigation
Excerpt
"That’s not a credible investigation."
About this source
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.
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- LindellTV
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Reporting
Ilhan Omar Investigation: DHS Chief Reveals New Details About Probe
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting the DHS spokesperson.
Excerpt
"No one, including members of Congress, are above the law."
About this source
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.
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- Dan Gooding
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Reporting
Ilhan Omar denies Vance’s claim DOJ is investigating her for fraud
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs quoting Omar.
Excerpt
"That is not something that is happening. That man is delusional,"
About this source
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---.”
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- Hannah Brennan
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Reporting
VP Vance claims DOJ is investigating Rep. Ilhan Omar: “It certainly seems like something fishy”
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Vance at a White House press conference.
Excerpt
"that’s something that the Department of Justice is looking at right now"
About this source
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.”
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- Eric Henderson
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Reporting
‘Get the hell out’: Trump calls Omar a despicable ‘phony,’ says ‘she married her brother’
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Trump on Omar.
Excerpt
"Trump went on to say Omar “married her brother” and called her despicable."
About this source
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.”
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- Jessica A. Botelho
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Original video
President Trump delivers remarks in The Villages in Florida (ABC News livestream)
Relevant passage: 16:29–16:57 (remarks on Rep. Ilhan Omar’s marriage; Trump first mentions Omar at about 15:41).
Excerpt
"I believe she married her brother, which is totally illegal."
About this source
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.
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Reporting
Turning Point USA event addresses immigration, American families, civil discourse
Relevant passage: Report on the April 22 event.
Excerpt
"The event featured Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, “Border Czar” Tom Homan and political commentator Benny Johnson."
About this source
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.
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- Arden Berry
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Original video
Tom Homan on stage with Benny Johnson at a Turning Point USA event (video clip)
Relevant passage: 00:58–01:36 (Homan’s answers on Rep. Ilhan Omar).
Excerpt
"The whole file is being reviewed. A lot of smart people are on it. Stay tuned."
About this source
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.
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- Benny Johnson
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Reporting
Can Ilhan Omar Be Deported? What We Know
Relevant passage: Paragraph on the statement from Omar’s chief of staff.
Excerpt
"Connor McNutt, Omar’s chief of staff, dismissed the claim in a statement shared with Newsweek"
About this source
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.
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- Billal Rahman
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Reporting
Ilhan Omar faces call for extradition after Vance’s fraud accusation
Relevant passage: Live-blog entry “Omar immigration fraud accusation ‘a ridiculous lie,’ spokesperson says.”
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."
About this source
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.
- Author
- Stephen Sorace
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Original video
Benny Johnson’s interview with Vice President JD Vance (video)
Relevant passage: 04:28–05:39 (Johnson’s question and Vance’s answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar); a preview of the exchange runs at 00:10–00:50.
Excerpt
"we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America"
About this source
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.
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- Benny Johnson
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Reporting
WATCH: Ilhan Omar denies feds have contacted her after border czar Homan confirms ‘criminal’ investigation
Relevant passage: Opening paragraphs quoting Omar, and the paragraph on public evidence.
Excerpt
"There has been no public evidence available to confirm an open investigation into Omar."
About this source
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.
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- Hannah Brennan
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Original video
SEE IT: Ilhan Omar says DHS hasn’t notified her of criminal investigation
Relevant passage: 00:00–00:41 (Ballasy’s questions and Omar’s answers).
Excerpt
"The right wing has always had this s--- going, so I don’t really worry about it."
About this source
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---.”
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- Nicholas Ballasy
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Reporting
Rep. Comer: Make Evidence Against Rep. Omar Public
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Comer and describing Omar’s background.
Excerpt
"I think it should be made public, and I think the members of Congress should be the judge and the jury in this."
About this source
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.
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- Michael Katz
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Reporting
James Comer seeks immigration fraud evidence on Ilhan Omar
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Comer’s interview on Just the News, No Noise.
Excerpt
"Let us vote as to whether or not she needs to remain in Congress."
About this source
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.
- Author
- Mia Cathell
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Reporting
Comer demands release of Ilhan Omar immigration evidence so Congress can weigh expulsion
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Comer’s interview on Just the News, No Noise.
Excerpt
"I think they should make it public. Absolutely, make it public."
About this source
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.
- Author
- John Solomon
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Reporting
Tom Homan confirms criminal investigation into Ilhan Omar’s alleged fraud
Relevant passage: Paragraphs quoting Homan on the investigation and on denaturalization.
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."
About this source
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.”
- Author
- Max Bacall
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Original video
Tom Homan reacts to Denver lawsuit seeking to block ICE at polls
Relevant passage: 04:05–07:00 (question and answer on Rep. Ilhan Omar).
Excerpt
"regardless if they’re a congressman or not, no one’s above the law"
About this source
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.
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Corrections
(0)
Corrections address errors in our reporting or labels. When a speaker changes their position, we add a separate statement and link it to the earlier one.
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