Trump Says Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Could Face Jail Amid Immigration Probe

United States President Donald Trump has said Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar could face imprisonment over allegations relating to her immigration records, as federal authorities investigate possible irregularities in documents linked to her acquisition of American citizenship.

Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while responding to questions from reporters at the White House about whether Omar could be deported if investigators found discrepancies concerning her age.

“Well, she could be. She could also go to jail,” Trump said, adding that his comments represented his personal opinion. He did not identify any specific criminal charge or present new evidence against the congresswoman during the exchange.
The investigation reportedly centres on whether Omar or her late father provided false information about her birth year or other details in immigration documents submitted during the family’s arrival in the United States as refugees from Somalia in the 1990s. Omar became a naturalised American citizen in 2000.

Federal agents searched her Washington, DC, residence on October 12 and reportedly seized her phone and other belongings. Investigators have also issued more than a dozen subpoenas connected to the case, including to some of her relatives, according to reports by Reuters and the Associated Press.

Omar has denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated. Following the search of her home, she accused the Trump administration of attempting to target political opponents and misuse federal law enforcement powers. Her office has maintained that the allegations against her are baseless.

The investigation could have significant legal implications if authorities establish that material information was deliberately misrepresented during the naturalisation process. However, any criminal prosecution or attempt to revoke her citizenship would require legal proceedings, and the allegations remain unproven. Omar has not been publicly charged with a crime in connection with the immigration investigation, according to the reports cited.