Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine has said he intends to seek the removal of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota from Congress if allegations of immigration fraud against her are substantiated.
Fine, who belongs to the House Freedom Caucus, made the remarks following a report highlighting a federal court document that identified Omar as “Ilhan Nur Said Elmi” and listed “Ilhan Abdullahi Omar” as an alternative name. Although the filing has prompted questions concerning her identity and immigration history, it does not demonstrate that she engaged in fraudulent activity.
“I assume that she’s not a citizen, so we might not even have to do that,” Fine said. “You can’t be in Congress if you’re not a citizen of the United States, but if it isn’t automatic, I absolutely will demand expulsion immediately.”
Omar, who was born in Somalia, became a naturalized American citizen in 2000. She has rejected allegations of misconduct and characterized the federal investigation as politically motivated.
Fine argued that Democratic lawmakers would oppose Republican attempts to formally censure Omar or remove her from the House of Representatives.
“I don’t think Democrats think you should have to be American. They don’t believe in borders,” Fine said. “They’ve made that clear. They don’t believe in America.”
Under the Constitution, the House of Representatives has the power to expel one of its members, although doing so requires approval from two-thirds of the chamber. Neither a criminal allegation nor an ongoing investigation automatically results in a lawmaker’s removal from Congress.
Fine also directed criticism toward Illinois Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez, who introduced the Reimagining Safety Act in September. The proposed legislation would restructure federal immigration enforcement by dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and eliminating Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Certain existing responsibilities would be transferred to a newly established Department of Community Safety.
“Look at this bill filed by the congresswoman from Chicago, where she doesn’t believe we should have borders, border protection or the ability to deport anyone,” Fine said.
The Florida congressman additionally challenged Democrats who have described the Justice Department’s investigation of Omar as politically driven. He referenced a separate examination of her financial disclosures that began in 2024, during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Fine alleged that Democrats have deliberately disregarded that detail when criticizing the current investigation.
“Democrats don’t get held accountable for anything, and they agree on this agenda that is anti-American and anti-citizen,” Fine continued.
Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on Oct. 12 as part of an inquiry into potential misrepresentations in immigration and naturalization paperwork. According to The Associated Press, authorities also confiscated her cellphone and issued grand jury subpoenas to several of her relatives in connection with the investigation.