10 Non-Citizens Indicted for Voter Fraud in Minnesota
A federal grand jury in Minneapolis indicted ten non-citizens on September 24, 2026, for voting illegally in US elections — some as recently as August 2026. ICE and USCIS led the investigation. Convictions on these charges can result in prison time and deportation, even for long-term residents.
What if you voted in a US election without realizing non-citizens are barred from doing so? A federal grand jury in Minneapolis answered that question on September 24, 2026: ten non-citizens were indicted on voter fraud charges, and deportation is now on the table for all of them.
The US Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota announced the indictments. ICE Homeland Security Investigations led the probe, with USCIS assisting. The ten defendants come from Liberia, Lithuania, Ghana, Germany, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, and South Africa. Their alleged offenses range from voting illegally as a non-citizen to falsely claiming US citizenship when registering to vote — acts that occurred between November 2022 and August 2026. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that non-citizens who vote will be found, arrested, and prosecuted.
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The charges carry serious consequences. Falsely claiming US citizenship to vote is a federal felony with a maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Voting as a non-citizen is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Either conviction can trigger removal proceedings — meaning a judge could order deportation, even for long-term residents with green cards. All ten defendants have appeared in federal court. Under US law, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Why this matters for immigrants
Many immigrants are unaware that voting — even once, even by mistake — can permanently bar them from obtaining a green card or US citizenship, and can lead to deportation. Voter registration forms in some states ask about citizenship, and checking the wrong box can itself be a federal crime. USCIS actively investigates these cases and shares data with federal prosecutors.
What to do
- If you are not a US citizen, do not register to vote and do not vote in any federal, state, or local election — even if someone tells you it is allowed.
- If you already registered or voted as a non-citizen, consult an immigration attorney immediately before speaking to any government agency. What you say can be used against you in removal proceedings.
- If you receive any contact from ICE or federal investigators, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both.
- Check your voter registration status with the help of a lawyer if you are unsure whether you were ever registered — and take steps to correct any error through legal counsel, not on your own.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “I-601/I-601A Waiver”.
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A criminal conviction for voting as a non-citizen or falsely claiming citizenship is a deportable offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and it can also permanently bar someone from naturalizing. If you are under investigation or have already been contacted by ICE or federal prosecutors, do not make any statements without an attorney present — anything you say can be used in both criminal court and immigration court. Consult a licensed immigration attorney as soon as possible to understand your specific exposure and options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-citizen be deported just for voting once?
Yes. Voting as a non-citizen is a federal crime and a deportable offense. Even a single vote — or simply registering to vote — can lead to removal proceedings, regardless of how long you have lived in the US or what immigration status you hold.
What is the difference between 'voting by alien' and 'false claim of citizenship'?
'Voting by alien' means casting a ballot as a non-citizen. It is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in prison. 'False claim of citizenship' means checking a box or signing a form saying you are a US citizen when you are not — that is a federal felony with up to five years in prison. Some defendants in this case face both charges.
Does this affect my green card or naturalization application?
Yes. A conviction for either charge can make you deportable and permanently ineligible for naturalization. Even without a conviction, USCIS can deny a green card or citizenship application if it finds evidence you voted or falsely claimed citizenship.
What should I do if I accidentally registered to vote as a non-citizen?
Do not try to fix it on your own by contacting election authorities without legal advice — that contact could be used against you. Speak with an immigration attorney first. A lawyer can help you understand your risk and, in some cases, take corrective steps that minimize your exposure.