Nationwide — Rep. Ilhan Omar has denied allegations that she married her brother to help him obtain U.S. citizenship, calling the claims baseless conspiracy theories spread by right-wing activists. In her first major interview since federal agents searched her Washington, D.C., home, the Minnesota Democrat also discussed the ongoing immigration investigation, questions about her family’s finances and her plans to remain in Congress.
During an interview with MS NOW host Chris Hayes, she was asked about her former husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, and whether he could have been her brother. When Hayes pressed her on whether there was any truth to the allegation, she responded, “Not to my knowledge.” She called the claims “insane” and said they originated on a Somali blog before conservative activists in Minneapolis began spreading them. Omar also disputed claims from people who allegedly said she had introduced Elmi as her brother, saying she did not know those individuals. She has repeatedly denied the allegations, and no established evidence has shown that Elmi is her brother.
According to the Daily Mail, Omar also described the federal search of her home, saying between 15 and 25 agents arrived around 6 a.m. while she and her family were asleep. She initially thought there was a fire or an emergency involving her neighbors. The search lasted four to five hours, and agents removed 17 items, including phones, computers, notebooks, a vintage camera, and a book written in Somali. Although she described the agents as polite and careful with her belongings, she accused the Trump administration of using the operation to create a public spectacle. She also plans to move out of her Washington residence after its address became public, citing ongoing death threats and concerns about her family’s safety.
The search is connected to an investigation into possible immigration fraud, including questions about information in documents related to Omar’s birth date. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office is examining the matter, and investigators have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including some involving her relatives. Omar maintains that she legally obtained U.S. citizenship at 17 through her father, Nur Omar Mohamed, who became a naturalized citizen in 2000. She suggested investigators are focusing on documents her late father completed, noting that he can no longer respond to questions about them. President Donald Trump has said she could face prison if investigators establish that she committed immigration fraud. Omar denies any wrongdoing and describes the investigation as politically motivated.
The congresswoman also addressed questions about financial disclosures involving businesses connected to her husband, Tim Mynett. The reported value of those interests initially appeared to be around $30 million before the figures were revised downward. Hayes said the valuation fell to approximately $20,000 after accounting for liabilities. Omar rejected suggestions that her family was wealthy, saying they live a modest, working-class life. She pointed to their four children, a 2016 Toyota Camry that serves as their only car, and the homes they rent in Washington and Minneapolis. Despite the legal scrutiny and political pressure, she said she does not intend to leave Congress. She also argued that her critics ultimately want to push her out of office because they object to her background and her role in American politics.