Ilhan Omar Vows Defiance Amid Federal Citizenship Probe

Ilhan Omar, a Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, has released a video asserting her refusal to be intimidated by a federal investigation into her citizenship status. In the minute-long social media post on Tuesday, Omar thanked supporters for their contributions and solicited further donations, describing the current period as a "challenging time."

"We know that they're running scared," Omar stated in the video, filmed from inside a vehicle. "We're not going to be intimidated. We're not going to be silenced. We're not going to be scared." She vowed to continue campaigning to help Democrats win the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections and hold the current administration accountable. She concluded by asking for continued support, noting the expected high costs associated with the ongoing challenges.

Omar's public statement comes as federal officials reportedly believe they have a "strong case" to revoke her citizenship and deport her. Omar was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, and her family later settled in the Washington D.C. suburbs before moving to Minnesota. She gained U.S. citizenship in 2000.

The investigation is reportedly examining whether her father altered her age on her citizenship application. If Omar was 18 at the time her father became a naturalized citizen, she would have had to pursue her own immigration process. If she was 17, she would have automatically qualified for citizenship.

In mid-October, Homeland Security Investigations agents reportedly searched Omar's Washington home, seizing her phone, passport, and computer. According to reports, DNA evidence was also obtained. Some sources suggest this DNA evidence could be used to investigate allegations that Omar married her brother to help him obtain a green card. Multiple sources have indicated that investigators believe there is a basis for federal charges against Omar related to immigration fraud.

Federal authorities have subpoenaed approximately a dozen individuals, including Omar's relatives. Her older sister, Sahra Noor, who lives in Kenya but was in the U.S. promoting her book, reportedly spoke with federal investigators.

Omar has not been charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the investigation as a politically motivated "witch hunt." However, former Border Czar Tom Homan told Fox News that investigators have built a "strong case" and confirmed that denaturalization and deportation are potential outcomes if immigration fraud is proven. Homan stated that revoking citizenship for lying during the naturalization process is a legally established procedure that has been utilized previously.

Homan suggested that immigration fraud investigations serve as a deterrent to others considering violating U.S. immigration laws. When asked about other potential offenses under investigation, Homan declined to comment.

Separately, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has reportedly been examining Omar's financial disclosures. Omar's 2025 filing initially listed assets between $6 million and $30 million shared with her husband, but she later amended it to a lower range, citing accounting errors. The House's ethics watchdog recommended dismissing allegations concerning these filings last month.

Omar's legal team has demanded the return of seized property, accusing the Justice Department of conducting an unlawful and politically motivated investigation that infringes on her constitutional rights and threatens the separation of powers. A Justice Department spokesperson, Emily Covington, refuted these claims, stating that the lawyers' letter contained "false allegations and inaccuracies" and that law enforcement acted in compliance with all legal obligations.

Former President Donald Trump, when asked about the investigation, stated that while he considers Omar "a terrible person," the matter was up to the Department of Justice.