President Donald Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz have recently brought renewed attention to allegations against Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), regarding her marriage history. During a rally in Pennsylvania, President Trump suggested that Omar could be in the country illegally if claims that she married her brother for citizenship purposes are true. Senator Cruz echoed these sentiments, outlining potential legal repercussions for Omar under federal and state laws.
The controversy centers on Omar's marriage to Ahmed Elmi, which some allege was a strategic move to facilitate Elmi's U.S. residency. President Trump and Senator Cruz have both publicly commented on the matter, with Trump urging that Omar be removed from the country if the allegations are verified. Senator Cruz took to social media, citing specific statutes that could be applicable, including federal marriage fraud laws, state incest statutes, and tax fraud provisions.
Federal law prohibits entering into a marriage knowingly to evade immigration rules, and Minnesota law, where Omar is a representative, treats incest as a felony, with penalties of up to ten years' imprisonment. Furthermore, tax fraud statutes could come into play if a couple who are not legally married file joint federal tax returns, potentially resulting in fines up to $100,000.
The allegations that Omar married her brother have been circulating for several years, gaining traction again after President Trump's recent comments. The Daily Mail reported on these claims in 2020, based on statements from Somali community leader Abdihakim Osman. Despite this, there has been no official documentation to support the assertion that Elmi is Omar's brother, and Omar has consistently denied these allegations, labeling them as "disgusting lies."
Omar's marital history has been complex and subject to scrutiny. She first married Ahmed Hirsi in a Muslim faith ceremony in 2002, with whom she had three children before they separated. Her subsequent marriage to Elmi, followed by a separation and eventual return to Hirsi, has been a focal point for critics. Omar legally divorced Elmi in 2017 and remarried Hirsi in 2018, only to divorce again in 2019. She is currently married to Tim Mynett, her former chief fundraiser.
The revived discussion has amplified the controversy surrounding one of Congress's most polarizing figures. President Trump has not only targeted Omar but also made inflammatory remarks about Somali immigrants in general, contributing to a heightened political climate around immigration and national identity.
Omar has responded to the President's comments, expressing discomfort with his "obsession" and suggesting he seek help. To date, no charges have been filed against Omar, nor has any official investigation been announced. Nonetheless, Senator Cruz's statements have sparked a fresh wave of debate and placed Omar under increased scrutiny.
