NEW: House Republicans’ Effort To Deport Ilhan Omar Takes Major Step Forward

House Republicans escalated their long-running effort to investigate Rep. Ilhan Omar on Wednesday, moving to subpoena immigration records tied to allegations of marriage fraud that critics say could carry serious legal consequences.

Rep. Nancy Mace announced the move in a widely viewed post on X, stating that the House Oversight Committee has initiated action to subpoena records connected to Omar and an individual Mace described as Omar’s “brother/husband.” The congresswoman framed the development as a significant step toward forcing transparency around claims that Omar entered a fraudulent marriage to evade U.S. immigration laws.

“Federal marriage fraud and knowingly entering a marriage to evade immigration laws is a serious felony punishable by prison time, steep fines, denaturalization and deportation,” Mace wrote. “Marrying a sibling is illegal in every state. We intend to get to the bottom of it.”

The announcement immediately reignited a controversy that has followed Omar for years, particularly among Republican lawmakers who argue the allegations were never adequately examined by federal authorities. While Omar has consistently denied wrongdoing, Republicans say the subpoena effort signals that Congress is now prepared to compel the release of records they believe could settle the issue.

The push is being driven through the House Oversight Committee, which has broad authority to issue subpoenas as part of congressional investigations. If approved and enforced, the subpoena would seek immigration documentation related to Omar’s past marriage, records Republicans say are central to determining whether federal law was violated.

In December Rep. Randy Fine, (R-FL) also said he is weighing whether to force a House vote to expel Omar.

Fine told Axios he is “actively considering” introducing articles of expulsion, even though removing a sitting member requires a two-thirds vote of the House. That threshold would require significant Democratic support, making passage unlikely.

“I won’t send out fundraising emails calling for her expulsion. If I’m going to do that, you will see me bring the piece of paper. And I am actively considering that,” Fine said on Capitol Hill. “I don’t think she should be a citizen, let alone a member of Congress,” he added.

Omar brushed off the threat. “I don’t think anybody takes that man serious,” she said. “I don’t think he takes himself serious, so nobody should worry about anything he says.”

Omar has repeatedly clashed with Republicans and has previously been the target of unsuccessful disciplinary efforts, including a censure attempt this year. She was removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2023 over her criticism of Israel.

Whether the subpoena will ultimately be enforced, what records may be produced, and whether any legal consequences follow remain open questions. But for now, House Republicans are signaling they are not backing down, framing the effort as a matter of equal application of the law and accountability at the highest levels of government.