Federal investigators have reportedly obtained DNA evidence that could become a crucial component of an expanding immigration fraud investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, as prosecutors examine longstanding allegations surrounding the Minnesota Democrat’s former marriage and citizenship history.
The development comes after Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on October 12, removing boxes of evidence as part of a federal inquiry.
According to an October 19 report from the New York Post, people familiar with the investigation said prosecutors have obtained DNA evidence alongside government records and information provided by whistleblowers.
Investigators reportedly hope the genetic evidence will help determine whether Omar’s former husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, is her biological brother.
The allegation dates back more than a decade and centers on Omar’s 2009 marriage to Elmi, a British citizen.
Federal authorities are reportedly examining whether the marriage was intended to help Elmi obtain permanent residency in the United States.
However, the allegation that Omar married her brother remains unproven, and she has repeatedly denied it.
The reported DNA evidence has attracted particular attention because genetic testing could potentially establish whether two individuals share a biological relationship.
Nevertheless, the report did not disclose whose samples investigators obtained, when they were collected or what any laboratory testing revealed.
No publicly released DNA results have established that Omar and Elmi are siblings.
The investigation intensified earlier this month when federal agents executed a court-authorized search warrant at Omar’s residence.
Photographs from the operation showed investigators leaving the property with boxes labeled as seized evidence.
It remains unclear whether the reported DNA evidence was collected before or after that search.
The investigation is reportedly being handled through the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office, with prosecutors examining potential conspiracy and immigration fraud allegations.
Two people familiar with the inquiry suggested that the DNA evidence, combined with materials recovered during the search, could provide a basis for presenting criminal allegations to a federal grand jury.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that conspiracy investigations can involve older conduct, although the applicable statutes of limitations remain legally significant.
“If you argue a conspiracy, you can allege overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy that are outside the statute of limitations,” Rahmani said.
The inquiry also extends beyond Omar’s marriage history.
Investigators are reportedly examining immigration documentation submitted when her family arrived in the United States from Somalia in 1995.
Questions have emerged about whether Omar or her late father, Nur Omar Mohamed, provided inaccurate information concerning her birth date.
Omar maintains that she became an American citizen through her father’s naturalization in 2000, when she was 17.
Separately, Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is reportedly examining discrepancies involving Omar’s congressional financial disclosures.
Pirro defended the federal investigation during an appearance on Fox News.
“That judge would not have signed that warrant unless there was probable cause,” she said.
“If there was a crime committed, it will be prosecuted.”
White House border official Tom Homan has also suggested that the government could pursue proceedings challenging Omar’s citizenship if investigators establish immigration fraud.
Such action would require additional legal proceedings and findings.
Omar’s attorneys, Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, have strongly rejected the allegations and demanded the return of property seized from her home.
They accused the Trump administration of politically targeting the congresswoman ahead of the November midterm elections, per Trending Politics.
The Justice Department disputed those accusations, maintaining that investigators complied with court orders and applicable legal requirements.
An earlier federal examination of allegations concerning Omar’s marriage reportedly failed to establish sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite the latest reports, authorities have not publicly released DNA findings proving the alleged sibling relationship or announced criminal charges against Omar.
Whether the newly reported evidence ultimately substantiates any of the allegations remains unresolved.
