GOP Lawmaker Vows to Pursue Expulsion of Rep. Ilhan Omar Over DOJ Probe

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., announced he intends to pursue the expulsion of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., from Congress if the Justice Department's investigation finds her guilty of immigration fraud.

Fine, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, made the remarks following reports that a federal court filing identified Omar by names including "Ilhan Nur Said Elmi" and "Ilhan Abdullahi Omar." The filing has raised questions about Omar's identity and immigration records, though it does not establish that she committed fraud.

"You can’t be in Congress if you’re not a citizen of the United States, but if it isn’t automatic, I absolutely will demand expulsion immediately," Fine stated. He also suggested that if Omar is not a U.S. citizen, expulsion might not be necessary.

Omar is a naturalized U.S. citizen, having been born in Somalia and becoming a citizen in 2000. She has denied any wrongdoing and characterized the investigation as politically motivated.

Fine criticized Democrats, asserting they do not believe in the necessity of borders or deportation. He also pointed to a bill introduced by Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., that proposed dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

The House of Representatives possesses the constitutional authority to expel a member, but such an action requires a two-thirds vote. A criminal investigation or allegation does not automatically disqualify a member from serving.

Fine also addressed the investigation into Omar's financial disclosures, which he noted began under the Biden administration in 2024. He accused Democrats of overlooking this detail while labeling the inquiry politically motivated.

Omar's Washington, D.C., residence was searched by Homeland Security Investigations agents on October 12 as part of a federal inquiry into potential false statements on immigration and naturalization documents. According to The Associated Press, federal authorities have also issued grand jury subpoenas to Omar's family members and seized her cellphone.

Omar's office did not respond to requests for comment. The filing that raised questions about Omar's identity does not itself establish guilt of fraud.