United States Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said federal authorities are investigating allegations surrounding Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s immigration history, including the long-disputed claim that she married a man alleged to be her brother to facilitate his entry into the United States.
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Mullin, who was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security in March 2026, made the remarks while speaking about Omar, the Minnesota congresswoman originally from Somalia.
“We know that she married her brother to try to bring him into the United States,” Mullin claimed, referring to Omar’s former husband, Ahmed Elmi. He further alleged that investigators were examining whether there was additional “illegal activity” connected with the immigration history of members of her family.
The allegation is not an established fact. Omar has repeatedly denied that Elmi was her brother, and previous reporting examining public records has not established that the two were siblings.
Mullin nevertheless said an investigation was ongoing and suggested that immigration enforcement action, including possible deportation proceedings, could follow if authorities obtain evidence showing that false information was submitted to the U.S. government.
“We’re investigating,” Mullin said.
“If we can prove it that, maybe you shouldn’t have been here in the first place, we’ll deport you,” he added, according to the report.
Mullin said any case ultimately pursued would have to be based on evidence of wrongdoing rather than political considerations. He argued that false statements in immigration applications could have consequences even years after the documents were filed.
The Department of Homeland Security, however, has stopped short of publicly substantiating Mullin’s specific allegation. Responding to questions about the matter, a DHS spokesperson said the department does not comment on “specific investigative techniques, ongoing investigations or potential future actions,” adding that “no one, including members of Congress, are above the law.”
Omar became a naturalised U.S. citizen in 2000. The report identified Elmi as the second man she married and said he now lives in London.
Questions surrounding Omar’s marriage history have circulated publicly for years. The Minnesota Star Tribune previously examined records and social media material relating to the allegations but reported that available documentation did not establish that Elmi was her brother. Omar told the newspaper there was “no truth” to the claim.
The controversy resurfaced in 2026 as Republican lawmakers and administration officials sought further scrutiny of Omar’s immigration history. In January, Republican Representative Nancy Mace attempted to obtain immigration records relating to Omar and the disputed marriage, but the subpoena effort was blocked in committee by members of both parties.
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