Federal investigators have reportedly collected DNA evidence and a personal passport belonging to US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during an investigation into possible immigration fraud. The findings could play an important role in examining claims that the Minnesota lawmaker married her brother to help him obtain a US green card. However, Omar has not been charged with any crime and strongly denies breaking the law.
Feds have DNA evidence that could prove Ilhan Omar committed immigration fraud, wed her brother: sources https://t.co/bffjoHo0Bu https://t.co/cz6rlHfSh0
— New York Post (@nypost) October 19, 2026
According to reports by Fox News and The New York Post, the investigation has expanded following an FBI search of Omar’s Washington, DC, home last Monday. Agents seized her cellphone and passport, while authorities have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives.
DNA evidence under investigation
A report published by the New York Post on October 19, citing sources, said the DNA evidence could help prosecutors examine claims about Omar’s marriage and her family’s immigration records. Multiple sources reportedly believe the findings could provide a basis for federal charges related to immigration fraud.
However, it remains unclear how investigators obtained Omar’s DNA. Federal agents have denied reports that they searched through her rubbish to collect a sample. The reported DNA findings have not been independently confirmed in public, and no criminal charges have been announced against the congresswoman.
Omar, 44, has repeatedly rejected claims that she married her brother to help him secure immigration benefits. She has called the accusations “absurd and offensive” and described the investigation as a politically motivated witch hunt. The Daily Mail said it had contacted her spokesperson and attorneys for comment.
Tom Homan warns of possible citizenship revocation
Border Czar Tom Homan has said Omar could lose her American citizenship and face deportation if investigators establish that she committed immigration fraud.
Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Homan said he had been told that authorities had built a “strong case” against the Somali-born lawmaker. He explained that citizenship could be revoked through a legal process if someone lied during naturalisation.
“We’ve done it before, and it is a long, tedious process, but it’s been done before,” Homan said, adding that he had been involved in such investigations.
He also said the administration wanted immigration enforcement to discourage people from breaking the law. However, Homan declined to discuss whether investigators were examining Omar for offences beyond immigration fraud.
Barack Obama accuses trump administration of targeting Omar
The investigation has sparked a political dispute, with former US President Barack Obama defending Omar and accusing President Donald Trump’s administration of using federal power against a political critic.
In a post on X on Sunday, Obama said the government should not target people because of their political beliefs or criticism of the president. He questioned whether the investigation was connected to a dispute over Omar’s age when her father became a naturalised US citizen.
Obama said Omar arrived in the United States at the age of 12 and automatically acquired citizenship five years later when her father was naturalised. He claimed investigators were examining a different theory that she was 18 at the time, which could affect questions about her citizenship.
Omar’s lawyers challenge the probe
Omar’s lawyers have demanded the immediate return of property seized during the search. They accused the Justice Department of conducting an unlawful and politically motivated investigation, saying there was “no legitimate basis” to suggest she had violated citizenship laws.
Her legal team also accused federal authorities of ignoring practices meant to prevent investigations from influencing elections. They said the case threatened Omar’s constitutional rights and the separation of powers.
Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington rejected the claims, describing the lawyers’ letter as containing false allegations and inaccuracies. She said officials had followed all court orders and legal requirements.
Trump has denied involvement in the investigation. After the search, he criticised Omar but said the matter was for the Justice Department to handle.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the reported DNA evidence yet to result in criminal charges against the congresswoman.
