Ilhan Omar's Former Bodyguard Faces Felony Charge as Immigration Probe Continues
A former bodyguard for Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota is facing a federal felony charge as investigators dig into matters that could be relevant to the congresswoman.
Abdullahi Mohamed was charged this year with lying under oath to a government official, according to reports. The New York Times reported that prosecutors examined Mohamed's green card application while seeking information related to Omar.
Mohamed's attorney alleged that investigators spent months trying to recruit his client as an informant against the congresswoman.
The charge concerns Mohamed, not Omar, and prosecutors have not shown that his alleged false statement points to any wrongdoing by the lawmaker.
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The Times ran its story under the headline "Somali Bodyguard Was Indicted in a Bid to Incriminate Ilhan Omar." Mohamed previously worked on the congresswoman's security detail, which is why investigators reportedly saw him as a possible source of information.
What Is Still Unknown
It remains unclear from the reporting whether Mohamed had any reliable information about Omar's immigration history. His lawyer's account also does not say whether he agreed to cooperate or provided any evidence.
Still, the development puts fresh attention on the federal investigation into Omar's immigration history and family records. Republicans have long argued that immigration laws must be applied equally, no matter how powerful or well connected someone is.
Omar has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and called the administration's investigation politically motivated retaliation against one of its most prominent critics.
The Wider Investigation
Federal agents searched Omar's Washington home on Oct. 12 under a court-approved warrant in an ongoing criminal investigation. Investigators have been looking at whether information submitted by Omar or her relatives during immigration and naturalization proceedings was accurate.
Omar has not been charged, and her lawyers reject the allegations about her citizenship. Investigators have also issued subpoenas to relatives and other potential witnesses.
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The search sparked controversy because it came shortly before the November midterm elections. Democratic leaders criticized the timing, while administration officials said credible allegations deserve to be investigated.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has publicly called it a strong case, discussed additional search warrants and said authorities expected to present evidence to a grand jury. Vice President JD Vance has also defended the investigation while stressing the need for evidence.
President Donald Trump's administration has made immigration enforcement and the investigation of suspected document fraud a top priority. Supporters of tough enforcement say equal treatment means examining credible allegations against powerful officials, while also respecting constitutional protections and the presumption of innocence.
Fight Over Legal Safeguards
A federal magistrate judge reportedly set safeguards limiting investigators' access to materials that could be protected by congressional legislative privilege. Omar's lawyers later accused authorities of violating those safeguards, a claim the Justice Department disputed.
Federal officials have also reportedly looked into questions about Omar's financial disclosures. The latest report is likely to renew attention on how investigators are building their case against one of the most outspoken members of the progressive "Squad."
In an Oct. 16 letter, Omar's attorneys, Amy Jeffress and Joshua Matz, demanded that the government immediately return property seized during the search of her home and preserve all audio and video recordings of the operation.