POLITICS · COMMENTARY
The Trump administration has confirmed that it is reviewing long-standing allegations involving Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, after a senior border official said federal authorities are examining whether immigration laws were violated in a past marriage.
Border adviser Tom Homan said this week that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting a review related to claims that Omar’s first marriage may have been improperly used to obtain immigration benefits.
The allegations — which date back more than a decade — center on Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Elmi, which ended in divorce in 2017. Critics have long alleged that Elmi was a relative and that the marriage was arranged for immigration purposes. No DNA evidence or official documentation has publicly substantiated those claims, and Omar has repeatedly and forcefully denied them.
What DHS Is Saying
Speaking to Newsmax, Homan confirmed that DHS is actively reviewing records connected to the allegations.
“We’re pulling the records, we’re pulling the files,” Homan said.
“We’re looking at it. I’m running that down this week.”
Homan emphasized that the review does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, but said the department is examining whether any immigration laws were violated.
Long-Running Allegations, Strong Denials
Omar, who arrived in the United States with her family in the 1990s after fleeing civil war in Somalia, has consistently denied the allegations. She has called them politically motivated attacks rooted in misinformation and prejudice.
To date:
- No criminal charges have been filed
- No formal findings of fraud have been announced
- No official proof confirming the allegations has been released
Despite this, the issue has remained a persistent talking point among Omar’s political opponents.
Broader DHS Review in Minnesota
Homan also noted that DHS is conducting a broader review of visa fraud patterns within Minnesota’s Somali community — a statement that has already drawn scrutiny and criticism.
According to Homan, DHS believes a significant percentage of certain visa applications in the state may involve fraud. Those claims, however, have not yet been supported by publicly released data.
Civil rights groups have warned against drawing conclusions before the review is completed, urging DHS to ensure any investigation is evidence-based and not driven by political pressure.
Political Reaction Intensifies
The announcement has immediately reignited political debate on Capitol Hill.
Supporters of the investigation argue that no elected official should be above scrutiny, regardless of party affiliation.
Critics counter that the renewed focus on Omar reflects selective enforcement and risks weaponizing immigration law for political purposes.
Omar has not yet issued a new statement in response to Homan’s comments, though her office has previously dismissed the allegations as false.
What Happens Next
At this stage:
- DHS says it is reviewing records
- No enforcement action has been announced
- No timeline has been provided
- No conclusions have been reached
Any further steps would depend on what, if anything, the review uncovers.
Final Takeaway
This remains a review of allegations — not a finding of guilt.
While the Trump administration has confirmed that DHS is examining the matter, there is currently no verified evidence supporting the most serious claims. Whether the review leads to further action or quietly concludes without findings remains to be seen.
For now, the controversy highlights how unresolved allegations can resurface years later — especially in an intensely polarized political environment.