Ilhan Omar’s path from being a refugee escaping the Somali civil war to becoming a U.S. Congresswoman is quite remarkable. Born in 1982 in Mogadishu, she has emerged as a prominent figure while serving as the representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since 2019.

But there’s more to her than what you read in the headlines—people want to know about the woman behind the hijab.

What is her history? What are the details of her personal life? How does she manage the spotlight of the political landscape? Let’s delve into her journey, from her beginnings to her current role, including some of the intense rumors that frequently circulate about her.

What Is Ilhan Omar’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Ilhan Omar proudly embraces her identity as Somali American. Her ethnic roots are tied to the Somali people, with a particular connection to the Majeerteen clan on her father’s side. Her mother’s roots in the Benadiri community further enrich her diverse heritage.

When it comes to faith, she’s a practicing Sunni Muslim, a belief she embraced from a young age, influenced by her moderate upbringing in Somalia. Ilhan made history as one of the first Muslim women in Congress, frequently seen wearing her prominent hijab—a symbol of her identity that even led to a rule change in the House to permit head coverings. It’s a significant part of who she is, and she embraces it wholeheartedly.

Is Ilhan Omar Married?

Yes, Ilhan Omar is married to Tim Mynett, a political consultant she married in 2020. Their relationship attracted some attention, particularly after Mynett’s ex-wife claimed there was an affair during their divorce proceedings, but Ilhan and Tim have moved forward together.

Prior to him, she was married to Ahmed Hirsi, her long-time partner and father of her children, in a religious ceremony in 2002 that wasn’t legally recognized.

They separated in 2008, reconciled later, and legally wed in 2018 before splitting again in 2019. Her romantic life has had its ups and downs, but she’s candid about navigating it in the public eye.

How Many Children Does Ilhan Omar Have?

Ilhan is a mother to three kids—two daughters and a son—all with Ahmed Hirsi. Her oldest, Isra, now in her 20s, frequently appears on her mom’s social media, showcasing their close family connection.

Then there’s Adnan, her son, and the youngest, Ilwad, who’s still in school. Ilhan balances motherhood with her political career, often sharing how her kids keep her grounded. Managing a family while making strides in Congress is no easy task, but she’s doing it with determination.

Did a Mugshot Alter Ilhan Omar’s Image?

No, there isn’t a genuine mugshot of Ilhan Omar out there—those rumors are just internet nonsense. Back in 2019, a fake image circulated online, supposedly showing her mugshot from a 2018 arrest.

However, it turned out to be a manipulated photo of someone else, debunked by fact-checkers like Snopes. Ilhan has never been arrested, but the rumor mill certainly enjoys a good story. She’s accustomed to brushing off these wild claims—it’s part of the territory when you’re in the limelight.

Netanyahu has shattered the ceasefire agreement.

How can we expect Netanyahu’s government to stop the mass killing of civilians if we continue to supply the weapons used to carry it out?

Arms embargo now. pic.twitter.com/5oEhnddSUd

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) March 26, 2025

Is Ilhan Omar a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee?

Absolutely, Ilhan has been part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee since she began her Congress career in 2019. This role is significant for her—she’s an outspoken advocate on global issues, from refugee rights to U.S. foreign policy, often drawing from her own experience as a Somali refugee.

There was a brief period in 2023 when Republicans removed her from the committee after some contentious comments about Israel, but after Democrats regained control of the House, she was reinstated in 2025. She’s making an impact, regardless of whether people agree with her views.

Will Ilhan Omar Be Barred From Israel?

This question harks back to 2019 when Israel did indeed bar Ilhan, along with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, from entering the country due to their support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israeli policies. The decision followed pressure from then-President Trump, igniting significant controversy.

As of now, there’s no indication of another ban—her focus is primarily domestic, and she’s not planning any trips to Israel in the near future. However, that incident remains a hot topic whenever her name comes up.