DHS official vows to prosecute and deport noncitizens caught illegally voting ahead of midterms
Department of Homeland Security general counsel James Percival warned noncitizens against voting illegally, saying federal authorities will track them down, charge them and deport them ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) general counsel James Percival issued a stern warning to noncitizens against voting illegally during a Saturday appearance on "My View with Lara Trump." He emphasized that federal authorities will track down, charge, and deport those who attempt to vote in the upcoming midterm elections on Tuesday.
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.
Arrests and Charges
The DHS has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport undocumented immigrants who vote in American elections. According to DHS, dozens of noncitizens have been arrested on charges related to the agency's nationwide voter fraud crackdown.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted that some of those arrested had criminal histories including assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic violence, drug trafficking, burglary, and driving under the influence. DHS also reported that several arrested individuals had criminal records involving drug crimes to sex offenses.
Percival revealed that more than 200 people have been charged in connection with noncitizen voter fraud, with the agency indicating that more cases are forthcoming.
State Pushback
The Trump administration's efforts to identify suspected noncitizen voters have encountered resistance from some state election officials. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs challenged findings from the Justice Department after federal officials claimed investigators had identified over 400 noncitizens illegally registered to vote in the state.
Hobbs disputed the findings, stating that the state's review uncovered "several glaring deficiencies" and that the list included United States citizens. He emphasized that without individualized proof of ineligibility, it would be both irresponsible and illegal for election officials to decline processing a registered voter's ballot.
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