Federal authorities have arrested Antonio Mitchell, a Jamaican national and permanent U.S. resident, on charges of illegally voting in U.S. elections for approximately 22 years and subsequently lying about his voting history in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen. Mitchell was taken into custody on October 28.
According to an immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) complaint filed in federal court in New Jersey, Mitchell registered to vote in the state in 2012, at which time he allegedly swore he was a U.S. citizen. He is also accused of casting a ballot in person during the general election on November 8, 2022.
Further allegations state that Mitchell twice lied during his naturalization process. On January 31, 2025, while applying for citizenship, he allegedly checked "No" to a question asking if he had ever registered to vote or voted in any U.S. election. He reportedly repeated this denial during an interview with an ICE officer on September 24, 2025, and again on March 25, 2026.
Mitchell faces charges including voting by an alien in a federal election, unlawfully attempting to procure naturalization, and making false statements in relation to naturalization. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
"Voting in American elections is a right reserved for eligible voters," ICE Assistant Director of Public Affairs Micah Bock stated. "Those who knowingly violate federal election laws should understand that their actions carry serious consequences. ICE cannot ignore suspected federal crimes simply because they involve elections. The law applies to everyone, and we intend to enforce it."
The announcement of Mitchell's arrest coincided with the midterm elections. Last week, federal officials reported the arrests of over 400 individuals for voter fraud crimes involving non-U.S. citizens.