Ilhan Omar, Tom Homan, and the Minnesota Immigration Fraud Allegations: A Political Firestorm Reignited
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The political landscape in Minnesota and across the nation has been rocked yet again by renewed allegations against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) regarding claims of immigration fraud. The controversy, which has simmered for over five years, surged back into the headlines this week after Tom Homan, former Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced on Newsmax that he and federal investigators are actively reviewing Omar’s immigration records. The focus: the persistent accusation that Omar married her brother to facilitate his entry into the United States—a charge she has consistently denied.
The Backstory: Allegations That Refuse to Fade
The story first emerged in right-wing media circles in 2019, quickly gaining traction among conservative commentators and political operatives. The claim was that Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee who arrived in the U.S. as a child, had married her biological brother in order to help him obtain legal residency. The allegation was amplified by outlets such as the Daily Mail, Fox News, and conservative personalities like Tucker Carlson.
Despite repeated denials from Omar and a lack of conclusive public evidence, the story has never been fully refuted in the eyes of its critics. As one commentator put it, “It’s a 5-year-old story that’s never been successfully refuted.” The persistence of the rumor has made it a recurring flashpoint in debates about immigration, refugee policy, and political integrity.
Tom Homan’s Announcement: A New Investigation Under Trump
The controversy reignited this week when Tom Homan appeared on Newsmax to discuss the situation in Minnesota. Homan, a vocal supporter of stricter immigration enforcement, claimed that he had been advised by a fraud investigator about “immigration fraud involved” in Omar’s case. He stated that the statute of limitations became an issue during the Biden administration, but that now—under President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement—the files were being pulled for review.
Homan suggested that previous investigations may have been brushed aside due to political considerations, implying that the Biden administration’s Department of Justice had little interest in pursuing the case. With Trump back in office, Homan asserted, “We’re going to look at all of them… those here illegally, those under a visa or some sort of immigration process who are criminals, national security threats, or who weren’t properly vetted.”
He went further, referencing claims from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem that nearly 50% of visas in the Somali community in Minnesota are fraudulent—a statistic that, if accurate, would have profound implications for immigration policy and enforcement.
The Political Context: Minnesota’s Fraud Scandals
The renewed focus on Omar comes at a time when Minnesota is already grappling with multiple fraud scandals. Recent investigations have uncovered over $1 billion in stolen taxpayer funds, including the high-profile Feeding Our Future case, which saw nearly $300 million embezzled from a nonprofit meant to feed children during the pandemic. The vast majority of those charged in these cases have been of Somali descent, further fueling scrutiny of the community and its political representatives.
Some commentators have speculated that Omar’s increased media appearances—on CNN, CBS’s Face the Nation, and other outlets—are attempts to “run cover” and respond to the allegations before they spiral further out of control.
The Allegations: Marriage, DNA, and Private Investigators
The core allegation against Omar is that she married her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, in 2009 to help him immigrate to the United States. Omar has denied the claim, stating that Elmi is not her biological sibling and that their marriage was a brief and legitimate union.
However, Republican operatives in Minnesota reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on private investigators to prove a genetic connection. According to New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, these operatives collected DNA samples from cigarette butts and drinking straws used by Omar and Elmi, sending them to a laboratory for analysis. Devine claims the results showed a genetic match consistent with siblings, though the findings have never been independently verified or published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.
The day before the results were set to be released, Anton Lazaro, a Republican donor involved in the investigation, was arrested on unrelated charges. Devine suggests that the FBI was aware of the evidence but declined to pursue the case, citing the statute of limitations.
Legal Questions: Statute of Limitations and Citizenship Revocation
The question of whether Omar could face legal consequences hinges on several factors. Immigration fraud is a deportable offense under U.S. law, but prosecution is subject to statutes of limitations and the availability of evidence. Homan has suggested that with the change in administration, investigators now have the authority to revisit the case and potentially seek revocation of citizenship if fraud is proven.
During a Newsmax interview, Homan was asked directly whether Omar’s citizenship could be revoked if investigators confirm the allegations. Homan replied, “I can’t discuss any investigation,” but acknowledged that the matter is being reviewed.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The renewed investigation has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Conservative commentators have expressed outrage, calling for accountability and suggesting that Omar’s case is emblematic of broader failures in the immigration system. “If this is proven to be true,” one host said, “it would be one of the wildest stories in American history.”
Supporters of Omar, meanwhile, have denounced the allegations as a smear campaign rooted in racism and Islamophobia. They argue that the persistent focus on Omar’s personal life and background reflects a broader effort to undermine progressive women of color in Congress.
Trump’s Role: Presidential Pressure and Political Calculations
President Donald Trump has played a central role in keeping the allegations in the spotlight. During his recent remarks in the Oval Office, Trump referenced the Daily Mail’s reporting and repeated the claim that Omar “married her brother.” Trump’s comments have been echoed by right-wing media and amplified by his supporters.
The timing of the renewed investigation—coinciding with Trump’s return to office and Republican control of key agencies—has fueled speculation that the case is being pursued for political reasons as much as legal ones.
The Broader Impact: Immigration, Refugees, and Political Division
The Omar controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing polarization over immigration and refugee policy. Minnesota’s Somali community, the largest in the United States, has faced heightened scrutiny as a result of recent fraud scandals and the persistent allegations against Omar.
Critics argue that the focus on Omar and Somali immigrants risks fueling xenophobia and undermining legitimate efforts to address fraud and abuse. Supporters contend that accountability is necessary to maintain the integrity of the immigration system, but warn against collective punishment and scapegoating.
The Evidence: What Do We Know?
Despite years of speculation and investigation, no definitive public evidence has been presented to prove that Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud by marrying her brother. Omar has repeatedly denied the allegations, and no legal charges have been filed against her.
The DNA evidence cited by Miranda Devine and others remains unverified, and the circumstances surrounding Anton Lazaro’s arrest have raised questions about the handling of the case. The FBI has reportedly declined to pursue the matter, citing the statute of limitations and lack of actionable evidence.
What Happens Next?
With Tom Homan and federal investigators now actively reviewing Omar’s immigration records, the case may be entering a new phase. Homan has promised a “deep dive” into the files, with the possibility of multiple deportations if fraud is uncovered.
The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications—not only for Omar, but for the broader debate over immigration, refugee policy, and political accountability.
Political Fallout: Panic and Division
If the allegations against Omar are proven true, the consequences could be seismic. As one commentator put it, “It’s going to cause mayhem in the Democratic Party.” Omar is a prominent member of the progressive “Squad” in Congress and a leading voice on immigration, refugee rights, and racial justice.
Her removal from office or revocation of citizenship would be unprecedented and likely to trigger a political firestorm. Progressive activists warn that such an outcome would embolden critics of immigration and refugee resettlement, while conservative commentators argue that it would signal a long-overdue reckoning with fraud and abuse.
A Story That Refuses to Die
The allegations against Ilhan Omar have persisted for half a decade, surviving denials, investigations, and changes in political leadership. The current investigation, led by Tom Homan and supported by President Trump, may finally bring resolution—or it may simply add another chapter to a saga that has become emblematic of America’s deep divisions.
As the investigation unfolds, the stakes are high—not only for Omar, but for the principles of justice, accountability, and fairness that underpin the American political system.
Conclusion: Waiting for Answers
For now, the nation waits. Omar’s critics demand accountability, her supporters decry what they see as a politically motivated witch hunt, and investigators sift through years of records and rumors in search of the truth.
What is clear is that the controversy surrounding Ilhan Omar is far from over. Whether the investigation yields new evidence or simply reignites old debates, its outcome will shape not only the future of one congresswoman, but the ongoing struggle over immigration, identity, and democracy in America.