Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has strongly denied allegations of immigration fraud after U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused her of wrongdoing during a recent podcast appearance.
Vance made the claims while speaking on a show hosted by Benny Johnson, alleging that Omar had “definitely committed immigration fraud” and linking her to broader concerns about fraud within segments of the Somali community in the United States.
The accusation revives long-standing, unproven claims that Omar married her brother to secure U.S. citizenship—allegations that have circulated in political discourse for years but have not been substantiated by evidence. Previous reporting has found no corroboration for the claims.
Responding to the remarks, Omar dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated.
“This is a ridiculous lie and desperate attempt to distract,” she said in a statement, adding that the claims were intended to shift attention from broader political issues, including foreign policy and domestic concerns.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in tensions between Omar and figures aligned with the Trump administration, with the congresswoman having frequently clashed with former President Donald Trump and his allies over policy and rhetoric.
Trump himself has previously made similar allegations against Omar during campaign appearances, calling for her removal from the United States—comments that have drawn widespread criticism from political opponents and civil rights advocates.
Separately, Omar has also faced security concerns in recent months. During a town hall event in Minnesota earlier this year, an attendee allegedly sprayed her with a liquid while issuing threats. The suspect, later identified by authorities, has been charged with assault and making threats of violence.
The renewed accusations from Vance come amid a broader climate of heightened political polarization in the U.S., where misinformation and unverified claims have increasingly become part of public discourse.
As of now, no legal findings or official investigations have confirmed the allegations made against Omar.
