A prominent Minnesota Democratic operative stated on Thursday that the federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., regarding her citizenship and marriage history has significant legitimacy, signaling a potential shift in how some within the party view the ongoing probes. Joe Radinovich, a former Minnesota state representative and well-connected DFL operative, posted on X that the allegations of fraudulent marriage and immigration paperwork are 'almost certainly true,' though he maintained that the Trump administration's Department of Justice lacks credibility.
What the Left Is Saying
The Democratic response to the investigation remains largely defensive, with party officials and Omar's allies characterizing the federal probes as political attacks. Briana Rose Lee, a Minneapolis DFL activist who previously served as an operations director for Omar's campaign, responded to Radinovich's comments by labeling them a 'witch hunt.' In a reply to Radinovich, Lee wrote, 'You aren’t stupid. You know this is a baseless and manufactured witch hunt. I’m actually surprised to see this from you. It’s a new low.'
Rep. Omar's office has consistently denied the immigration fraud allegations, framing the renewed scrutiny as a right-wing smear and a political 'vendetta' by President Donald Trump. Omar has long characterized accusations regarding her marriage to her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, as Islamophobic and racist conspiracies. The Democratic base has largely coalesced around Omar, viewing the investigations as part of a broader effort to undermine a high-profile progressive voice in Congress.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and officials have pointed to Radinovich's admission as evidence that the liberal firewall protecting Omar is cracking. The right argues that the 'almost certainly true' assessment from a prominent Democrat validates long-standing concerns about Omar's citizenship status and financial disclosures. Fox News and other conservative outlets have highlighted the timeline of the investigation, noting that a probe into the alleged fraudulent marriage was initiated during the Obama administration in 2016 and remained open until 2021.
Republicans argue that the seizure of Omar's passport, phone, and computer by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Oct. 12, 2026, and the possession of her DNA by investigators, indicate that the case has moved beyond political rhetoric to substantive legal inquiry. The right emphasizes that while no criminal charges have been filed yet, the existence of court filings referring to Omar as 'Ilhan Omar Nur Said Elmi' suggests the government is building a case for potential denaturalization.
What the Numbers Show
The investigation into Rep. Omar's citizenship and marriage history has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with key developments occurring in 2026. HSI agents raided Omar's Washington, D.C., home on Oct. 12, seizing personal devices and travel documents. Court filings from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia list Omar's name as 'Ilhan Omar Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Omar,' aligning with the surname of Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, whom she married in 2009.
Radinovich, who served as a Minnesota state representative from 2013 to 2015, has a history of challenging Omar politically; he worked with candidate Don Samuels in two Democratic primary challenges against Omar in 2022 and 2024, both of which Samuels lost. According to sources cited by Fox News, the initial investigation into Omar's marriage was launched by the Obama administration in 2016 and closed by the Biden administration in 2021. Nearly 40 House Democrats have skipped efforts to end the immigration probe, indicating a division within the caucus.
The Bottom Line
Radinovich's comments represent a notable break in the unified Democratic front defending Rep. Omar, suggesting that the political cost of defending her may be rising as evidence accumulates. While Radinovich criticized the timing and credibility of the Trump DOJ, his admission that the core allegations are likely true could embolden further scrutiny from within the party. The investigation remains active, with potential consequences ranging from denaturalization to criminal charges, though no formal charges have been filed as of this report. The coming weeks will test whether this internal dissent grows or if the Democratic establishment rallies to contain the narrative.