Former U.S. President Barack Obama called the renewed investigation into Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar “appalling,” suggesting it could amount to political persecution.
However, reports published on October 29, 2026, indicate that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security began investigating Omar’s marriage in 2016, during Obama’s administration, over suspicions of possible immigration fraud and allegations that her former husband, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, was her brother.
Investigators reportedly uncovered some evidence, but prosecutors declined to pursue the case because the statute of limitations had expired.
Omar denies the allegations, describing them as part of a smear campaign. Federal authorities are now reportedly examining potential irregularities in immigration records. Omar has not been formally charged with any crime related to these allegations.
