Department of Homeland Security (DHS) general counsel James Percival has vowed that federal authorities will track down, charge, and deport noncitizens who illegally cast ballots, particularly in the lead-up to midterm elections.
"Our message now is, whether it's now or later, if you illegally cast a vote, we will find you, we will charge you, and we will deport you," Percival said in a recent interview. His remarks follow a DHS press release announcing dozens of noncitizens had been arrested nationwide in connection with voter fraud. According to the release, some individuals arrested had criminal histories including assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking, burglary, and driving under the influence.
DHS reported that over 200 people have been charged in connection with noncitizen voter fraud. However, the agency's efforts to identify noncitizen voters have encountered challenges. In Washington state, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs questioned federal findings that identified over 400 noncitizens registered to vote, some of whom allegedly cast ballots over decades. Hobbs stated that the state's review revealed "glaring deficiencies," including a list that contained U.S. citizens and individuals not actively registered to vote.
"This list includes United States citizens and is not reliable. Without individualized proof of ineligibility, it would be both irresponsible and illegal for election officials to decline to process a registered voter’s ballot," Hobbs said, adding that the analysis contradicted federal claims that all individuals on the list would receive a ballot. Some arrests in the voter fraud crackdown also involved individuals with records related to drug and sex offenses.