Rep. Ilhan Omar from Minnesota labeled those questioning her about marrying her brother as “sick” after Fox News Digital reached out regarding comments made by border czar Tom Homan, who suggested that federal authorities are looking into the situation.
Homan mentioned last week that investigations into possible immigration fraud linked to Omar were underway, particularly amidst ongoing controversy regarding her alleged Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, a matter President Trump has recently revisited.
Homan hinted at the likelihood of fraud but pointed out that the statute of limitations could complicate any potential prosecution against Omar.
When Fox News Digital inquired about Homan’s statements and their implications for everyday people, Omar responded, “I don’t know what the investigation will be about, so I won’t respond.”
Asked if she thought investigators wouldn’t uncover anything, Omar firmly stated, “Absolutely not.”
She was questioned about why the allegations continue to surface as she stepped into an elevator, to which she responded passionately, “Because they are sick!”
Senate Republican leaders, however, assert that if the claims about Omar marrying her brother for immigration purposes are accurate, she could be breaking multiple laws.
Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas suggested that if true, Omar could face charges under three different statutes. He argued that federal marriage fraud—a serious crime—could come into play, as it forbids marriages intended to circumvent immigration laws, with potential penalties including five years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and deportation.
Omar, who was born in Somalia and arrived in the U.S. as an asylum seeker in 1995, became a citizen in 2000. She entered into a religious marriage with Ahmed Abdisaran Hirsi in 2002 and legally wed Ahmed Elmi, a British citizen, in 2009, while still having ties with Hirsi, with whom she shares a child.
Reports indicate that she and Elmi separated in 2011 and finalized their divorce in 2017.
Omar later married political consultant Tim Mynett in 2020.
Cruz further noted that Omar might also be violating Minnesota’s incest laws, which could result in a felony charge and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Additionally, he raised the possibility of tax evasion charges if she filed joint returns with Elmi while they were still legally separated, an infraction that carries hefty fines and potential prison time.
