Federal investigators have reportedly obtained DNA evidence and the personal passport of United States Representative Ilhan Omar as part of an investigation into alleged immigration fraud, according to reports by Fox News and the New York Post.
The development follows an FBI search of the Minnesota Democrat’s home in Washington, DC, during which agents reportedly seized her cellphone. Authorities have also issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some members of her family.
Although investigators have denied reports that they searched Omar’s rubbish as part of the probe, it remains unclear how they obtained the DNA evidence.
A source cited by the New York Post claimed that the DNA could provide important evidence in allegations that Omar married her brother to help him obtain a US green card.
Multiple sources have reportedly suggested that prosecutors believe the evidence could support federal charges against the congresswoman. However, Omar, 44, has not been charged with any crime and has consistently denied the allegations, describing the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to target her.
The controversy intensified after US border czar Tom Homan warned that Omar could lose her American citizenship and face deportation if investigators established that she committed immigration fraud.
Speaking to Fox News, Homan said investigators had reportedly developed a strong case against the lawmaker.
When asked whether the investigation could result in her citizenship being revoked and her deportation, he replied, “Of course.”
Homan explained that US authorities could initiate legal proceedings to revoke the citizenship of individuals found to have lied during the naturalisation process.
“We’ve done it before, and it is a long, tedious process, but it’s been done before,” he said.
“I’ve been involved with those investigations before, and certainly if the evidence points that way, yes, it could happen.”
He also expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation, saying the authorities would allow the evidence to determine the next course of action.
“I’ve been told we have a strong case,” Homan told Fox News on Saturday. “We’ll let the evidence see where it leads. She’ll be held to the same standard you and I are held. If she violated law then she’d be held accountable.”
According to Homan, the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts are also intended to discourage violations of US immigration laws. He cited reviews of refugee cases and denaturalisation proceedings as part of the broader strategy.
However, when questioned about whether investigators were examining Omar for offences beyond immigration fraud, he declined to provide details.
“I won’t go there,” he said.
The investigation has sparked political controversy in Washington, with former US President Barack Obama coming to Omar’s defence and accusing President Donald Trump’s administration of using federal agencies to intimidate a political opponent.
In a post on X on Sunday, Obama criticised the investigation, arguing that the government should not target individuals because of their political opinions or criticism of the president.
“It is a basic principle of American democracy that the government can’t selectively target individuals simply because of their political beliefs or what they say,” Obama wrote.
“But that’s exactly what the Trump Administration is doing to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.”
Obama also questioned the basis of the investigation, referring to a disputed issue concerning Omar’s age when her father became a naturalised US citizen.
He maintained that Omar entered the United States at the age of 12 and automatically became a citizen five years later when her father was naturalised.
According to Obama, investigators appear to be examining a theory that Omar was actually 18 when her father acquired citizenship, which could affect questions surrounding her own citizenship status.
“Think about that. The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president,” Obama wrote.
“The fact that any president, or any administration, is willing to engage in such transparent efforts to intimidate someone should outrage all Americans, regardless of how they feel about Congresswoman Omar’s political views.”
The probe has also brought renewed attention to longstanding allegations by conservative critics that Omar married her brother to facilitate his immigration to the United States. The congresswoman has repeatedly dismissed the accusations as “absurd and offensive.”
Following the search of her residence, Omar’s lawyers demanded that federal authorities return the items seized, arguing that the investigation was unlawful and politically motivated.
Her legal team maintained that investigators had no legitimate grounds to question her citizenship status.
“There is no legitimate basis for any suggestion that she has violated any law concerning her citizenship status,” her lawyers said.
They further accused the Justice Department of disregarding established procedures designed to prevent law enforcement actions from interfering with elections.
“This vindictive, retributive, and politically motivated criminal investigation into one of the President’s chief congressional critics violates Representative Omar’s constitutional rights and threatens the separation of powers,” the lawyers wrote.
However, Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington rejected the accusations, describing the lawyers’ letter as “riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies.”
“Our attorneys and law enforcement partners complied with all court orders and legal obligations, as they always do,” she said.
Trump has previously denied any personal involvement in the investigation. Speaking to reporters after the search, the president said the matter was for the Justice Department to handle.
“I think she’s a terrible person, but that’s really up to the DOJ,” he said.
Despite the competing claims, Omar has not been charged, and the allegations against her remain unproven
