Federal agents collect DNA from Ilhan Omar and family in immigration fraud probe

Federal investigators retrieved DNA from Representative Ilhan Omar and members of her family on Friday, October 17, 2026, after searching discarded trash in a dumpster‑diving operation, NewsNation reported.

The DNA collection is tied to an ongoing immigration fraud investigation that has already produced a raid on Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence and seizure of documents, phones, and other evidence. Sources said the DNA is expected to be presented to a grand jury that is examining the case beyond the original accusations that Omar falsified her birthdate and married a brother to obtain citizenship.

NewsNation’s Leland Vittert, who broke the story, said, "Multiple sources have confirmed to me that federal agents went dumpster diving to get DNA from Ilhan Omar and her family before the raid on her D.C. home earlier this week. Our reporting suggests investigations go far beyond simple immigration fraud." He added that the upcoming indictments could be "stunning" in nature.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, speaking on Real America’s Voice, described the case as "strong" and indicated that a grand jury is reviewing possible RICO charges. He said, "This was about enforcing, once again, our nation’s laws. A strong case is building."

Former FBI special agent Tracy Walder said the practice of collecting DNA from trash is a legal method when a warrant is not feasible. "I don’t know exactly what they’re doing in this dumpster‑diving because there are so many things that you could be looking for," Walder told NewsNation.

Investigators have also issued subpoenas to several of Omar’s relatives, including her sister Sahra Noor, as they examine whether Omar’s late father provided false information on immigration paperwork. The broader probe is said to cover "top‑to‑bottom" review of the family’s immigration history.

Omar has remained largely silent since the raids, posting a brief statement thanking supporters and condemning what she called political targeting. The next steps appear to involve the grand jury’s review of the DNA evidence and related documents, with potential indictments expected in the coming weeks.