WASHINGTON (TNND) — Newly released federal court filings identifying Rep. Ilhan Omar by another name are fueling renewed scrutiny of the Minnesota Democrat’s immigration history, as President Donald Trump calls for her resignation from Congress.
The allegations include longstanding claims that Omar married her brother to help him obtain legal immigration status in the United States. (TNND)
The documents refer to Omar as “Ilhan Nur Said Elmi,” a name that has become a focal point in an ongoing federal investigation involving allegations of immigration fraud and questions surrounding her previous marriage.
The allegations include longstanding claims that Omar married her brother to help him obtain legal immigration status in the United States. Omar has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven.
Speaking on Fox News Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro questioned whether Omar had complied with federal immigration laws.
“The question is, who is Ilhan Omar and has she followed all of the laws as it relates to naturalization and immigration,” Pirro said.
Trump also weighed in during a campaign rally in Iowa on Thursday night, accusing Omar of using a false identity.
“She used a fake name to be sworn in,” Trump claimed. “I assume she must immediately have to resign from Congress.”
The president’s remarks followed Omar’s appearance Wednesday on MS NOW, where host Chris Hayes questioned her about allegations involving her former husband.
Asked whether she was related to him, Omar responded, “Not to my knowledge.”
Trump criticized the response, calling it “one of the worst answers I think I’ve ever heard… She didn’t know whether or not she married her brother. She wasn’t sure.”
The newly released filings also come as federal prosecutors seek to keep records connected to a search of Omar’s Washington home under seal. The government’s position has raised questions about whether investigative work related to the search remains ongoing.
Separately, Omar is facing scrutiny over her financial disclosures.
During the MS NOW interview, the congresswoman described her financial situation as working-class, saying she still lives “paycheck to paycheck” while raising four children.
“We live, I think, like a basic life,” Omar said, adding that she drives a 2016 Toyota Camry.
Her comments come as the Justice Department examines financial disclosures that previously valued businesses connected to her husband at as much as $30 million.
Omar has attributed the figures to an accounting error and denied financial wrongdoing.
The congresswoman maintains that the investigations are politically motivated and has accused the Trump administration of targeting her.
The appearance of another name in court documents does not independently establish immigration fraud, and no criminal charges against Omar have been announced.