Federal prosecutors allegedly attempted to recruit a former security guard who briefly worked for Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as an informant in an investigation involving the Minnesota lawmaker.
Abdullahi Mohamed, who worked on Omar’s security detail during an overseas trip, was reportedly offered assistance with his immigration case in exchange for providing information that could damage the congresswoman.
According to Mohamed’s lawyer, Bruce Rivers, investigators spent several months questioning his client about Omar’s immigration background, marriage history and personal finances.
Rivers also made a striking allegation about the investigation, claiming that prosecutors repeatedly indicated it was being directed from the White House.
He told The New York Times that officials described the investigation as being “100 percent being run by 1600 Pennsylvania Ave,” referring to the White House address.
Rivers, who has practised federal law for almost 28 years, said he had never encountered anything like it.
Investigation Included Questions About a Suspected $10,000 Payment
Part of the investigation reportedly focused on Omar’s 2009 marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.
Investigators have examined allegations that the marriage was arranged to help a man suspected of being her brother secure a green card in the United States. Omar has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
During a meeting with prosecutors in March, Mohamed was reportedly questioned about the congresswoman’s immigration journey from Somalia, her marital history and a possible $10,000 payment involving Omar and one of his brothers.
According to Rivers, investigators suggested that the payment could have been a bribe.
However, Mohamed reportedly told prosecutors that he had no incriminating information about the congresswoman.
He later contacted his brother to ask about the $10,000 transaction and was informed that the money had been used to settle a loan, according to his lawyer.
Rivers described the prosecutors’ approach during the meeting as a fishing expedition, saying the overall message was for Mohamed to provide anything and everything he knew about Omar.
Mohamed’s Immigration Application Led to Criminal Investigation
Mohamed’s legal troubles began in October 2025 when he applied for a green card after marrying an American woman in Minnesota.
During a routine immigration interview, officials asked whether he had ever worked for the Somali government or interacted with American politicians and government officials.
He answered no, despite having briefly worked on a security detail for Omar during a visit to Puntland in northeastern Somalia. He had also visited her office on Capitol Hill.
Rivers said his client had limited English proficiency and did not understand the questions properly.
His green card application was subsequently rejected.
In February, Mohamed received a letter from the Justice Department informing him that he was under criminal investigation for allegedly lying to a government official under oath.
The alleged offence is a felony that carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Prosecutors Allegedly Offered to Prevent His Deportation
In March, federal prosecutors invited Mohamed to participate in a meeting known as a proffer, during which investigators questioned him about Omar.
According to Rivers, prosecutors offered to intervene in his client’s immigration situation and help prevent his deportation if he provided damaging information about the congresswoman.
The alleged offer came as Mohamed faced the possibility of losing his immigration status and being removed from the United States.
After failing to obtain his cooperation, prosecutors secured a grand jury indictment against him in April.
However, the case took a different direction several months later.
Justice Department Dropped Case After Grand Jury Testimony
On September 3, Mohamed appeared before a grand jury in Washington, where prosecutors granted him immunity for potentially incriminating statements, according to his lawyer.
A day later, prosecutors requested that the indictment against him be dismissed.
The Justice Department reportedly said there was no longer a federal interest in pursuing the case because Mohamed had been placed in deportation proceedings.
He subsequently left the United States for Kenya, leaving his American wife behind.
Omar’s Team Condemns Alleged Recruitment Attempt
Omar’s spokesperson told The New York Times that the congresswoman had never directly employed Mohamed.
The spokesperson also criticised the alleged attempt to recruit him to provide information about the lawmaker.
Rogers described the reported conduct as a serious abuse of presidential authority and an attempt to use federal institutions against political opponents.
“This is a staggering abuse of presidential power and a blatant weaponization of the full federal government to intimidate political opponents,” Rogers said.
In response, the Justice Department said the matter was completely unrelated to any current investigations.
Trump’s Administration Has Previously Called for Omar to Be Investigated
The latest allegations emerge amid growing scrutiny of Omar by the Trump administration.
In October, federal agents searched the congresswoman’s Washington residence. Authorities also issued subpoenas requiring several people close to her to testify before a grand jury.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for Omar to face investigation over allegations connected to her immigration history.
In March, while attending an event announcing an anti-fraud task force led by Vice President JD Vance, Trump described Omar as “one of the ringleaders” and said he hoped she would be investigated.
Vance subsequently disclosed that he had discussed ways to hold Omar accountable for alleged immigration fraud with senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, who was promoted to chief of staff last week.
Omar Wins Fifth Congressional Term Amid Investigation
Omar, who secured a fifth term in Congress last week, has consistently denied the allegations against her.
The Minnesota Democrat has also described the investigation as politically motivated persecution.
Meanwhile, the White House has not publicly confirmed the claims made by Mohamed’s lawyer that the investigation into Omar was being directed by the Trump administration.
