Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended the ongoing federal inquiry involving Representative Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, commonly known as Ilhan Omar, describing it as an extensive investigation involving multiple individuals while dismissing allegations of political motivation.
Speaking in an interview, Mullin stated that the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice, emphasizing that federal authorities are strictly enforcing immigration and marriage laws regardless of partisan affiliation or political standing. Mullin maintained that investigators apply the law equally, noting that if lawmakers disagree with existing statutes, Congress has the authority to amend them.
“This isn’t just a case that’s targeting one individual. This is a large case that we have presented to the DOJ, and the DOJ is leading the investigations,” Mullin said. He added that law enforcement officers do not consider an individual’s voter registration, occupation, or political seat when reviewing potential violations.
The federal scrutiny centers on historical questions regarding Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom public records and Department of Justice notes identify as Ilhan Nur Said Elmi. Past reports indicate that federal authorities examined the marriage in 2016 during the Obama administration, but prosecutors ultimately declined to pursue felony marriage-fraud charges because the five-year statute of limitations had lapsed. Omar and Elmi legally divorced in December 2017, and the congresswoman has consistently denied allegations that Elmi is her brother.
The underlying allegations involve two distinct legal concerns under federal and state frameworks: federal prohibitions against entering a marriage solely to secure a green card, and state-level laws across all 50 states barring marriages between siblings. Following their 2009 marriage, Elmi secured a provisional two-year green card. An application for permanent status was subsequently initiated but abandoned after immigration officials requested additional documentation concerning the marriage, prompting Elmi to relocate to the United Kingdom.
The investigation has drawn sharp pushback from congressional Democrats. More than 100 House Democrats signed a letter condemning the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, accusing the agencies of weaponizing federal law enforcement to target Omar due to her opposition to President Donald Trump and suggesting the probe could influence her reelection campaign.
The congressional response was not unanimous, however. While House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York signed the letter, approximately 40 House Democrats abstained from joining. Among those who did not sign were Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Nancy Pelosi of California, Tom Suozzi of New York, Laura Gillen of New York, and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.
Mullin rejected accusations of political targeting by comparing current actions to past investigations under the preceding administration, accusing political opponents of previously utilizing federal law enforcement entities against political adversaries.
