DHS Secretary says federal fraud probe into Rep. Ilhan Omar involves multiple individuals

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News that the federal fraud investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar is a "large case" that involves multiple individuals and is being led by the Department of Justice. He said Homeland Security Investigations agents conducted extensive work after searching Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on Oct. 12 before presenting the case to the DOJ.

"We’re enforcing our nation’s laws, and we’re not weaponizing. We’re not using political theater on this," Mullin said. The probe examines whether Omar participated in an immigration fraud scheme by marrying a man who claims to be her brother, as well as whether she provided false statements on government documents to obtain citizenship. Federal investigators are also reviewing her financial disclosures for possible inflation of net worth on House disclosure forms. The investigation follows a report that a 2009 marriage license had Omar’s surname crossed out and replaced with “Elmi” before being restored. When asked about the alleged marriage, Omar said she had no knowledge of it. Mullin, a former Republican senator from Oklahoma, defended the investigation after former President Barack Obama criticized it, emphasizing that the government enforces laws "across the board equally" regardless of political affiliation. He added that the facts will determine the outcome and that the probe is not about politics. Omar has denied any wrongdoing, and her lawyers have requested the immediate return of seized property. Her office did not respond to requests for comment.