DOJ Charges 28 in California Voter Fraud Bust

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against 28 individuals in California accused of participating in a large-scale voter fraud scheme. The defendants, some of whom were lawful permanent residents, face a variety of charges, including making false statements on naturalization applications and engaging in illegal voting.

The charges stem from "Operation Protect the Vote," a statewide takedown conducted by federal agents last Monday. These arrests targeted individuals identified from a list of over 20,000 suspected noncitizens in California who allegedly registered to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

Among those charged is Alexander Muñoz, a 72-year-old Belizean national. According to prosecutors, Muñoz fraudulently registered to vote in September 2019 by claiming U.S. citizenship. Court documents allege he voted in U.S. elections in 2020, twice in 2022, and again in 2024. He also allegedly lied on his naturalization application, denying ever claiming U.S. citizenship. Muñoz has prior convictions for grand theft and narcotics possession.

Another defendant, José Probitsado Amaro, 51, a citizen of the Philippines residing in National City, is accused of fraudulently registering to vote by falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. Investigators allege he cast a ballot in the November 2024 general election and made false statements during his naturalization interview.

Moe Thida Lwin, 57, a Myanmar national living in Daly City, faces charges for allegedly fraudulently registering to vote in 2024 and subsequently voting illegally.

These prosecutions are part of an escalating conflict between federal authorities and California officials over the integrity of election processes. The Department of Justice has been demanding that California set aside votes from individuals it claims are noncitizens. California officials, however, have argued that federal intervention is unwarranted while the election is ongoing.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District, Bill Essayli, stated that the charges brought against Muñoz and others support the federal government's claims of widespread voter fraud. The DOJ has also sent letters to all California counties requesting assistance in identifying noncitizen voters and has sued California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder over alleged noncitizens on voter rolls.

Governor Gavin Newsom has characterized the DOJ's efforts as a "clown show," but Essayli countered, "We’re not waiting for them to vote. You’re not allowed to have any noncitizens on your voter rolls. ‘Period. Full stop.'"

Nationwide, 48 alleged noncitizens have been charged with similar crimes, with arrests also occurring in Florida, New York, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.