Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing a threat of expulsion from Congress after Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, vowed to push for her removal if the Justice Department finds evidence of immigration fraud. The threat comes as federal investigators examine her immigration records, though no public findings have established that she committed fraud.
Fine, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, made the remarks after a federal court filing listed Omar under the name “Ilhan Nur Said Elmi” and included “Ilhan Abdullahi Omar” as an alias. According to Fox News, the filing has drawn attention to her identity and immigration history, but it does not prove wrongdoing. Fine also questioned whether she was a U.S. citizen. Omar was born in Somalia and became a naturalized American citizen in 2000.
The federal investigation includes possible false statements in immigration and naturalization documents. On Oct. 12, Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence as part of the inquiry. Authorities also issued grand jury subpoenas to members of her family and seized her cellphone, according to reports. Omar has denied wrongdoing and called the investigation politically motivated.
Fine said he would demand Omar’s expulsion if investigators establish fraud and her removal is not automatic. He also predicted that Democrats would oppose Republican efforts to censure or expel her. Under the Constitution, the House can expel a member only with a two-thirds vote. An investigation or allegation alone does not automatically remove a lawmaker from office.
The Florida Republican also criticized Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Democrat from Illinois, over her proposed Reimagining Safety Act. Introduced in September, the bill would dismantle the Department of Homeland Security and abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Some of their responsibilities would move to a new Department of Community Safety. Fine argued that the proposal showed Democrats opposed stronger border enforcement and deportations, claims that reflect his own criticism of their immigration policies.
Fine also pushed back against Democrats who have questioned the Justice Department’s motives. He pointed to a separate investigation into Omar’s financial disclosures that began in 2024 under former President Joe Biden. He argued that the earlier inquiry undercut claims that the current investigation was politically motivated. The immigration investigation remains ongoing, and any effort to remove her from Congress would require the support of two-thirds of House members.
SOURCE: blacknews.com