Green Card Holder Arrested for Voting Illegally in Two Elections
A Canadian lawful permanent resident was arrested by ICE on October 28, 2026, after allegedly voting in two U.S. federal elections by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. Monique Gignac-Yochum had registered to vote in Wisconsin and cast ballots in 2022 and 2024 before relocating to Arizona — where federal agents tracked her down. The arrest is a stark reminder that green card holders are not U.S. citizens and face serious criminal and immigration consequences for voting.
What happened
ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested Monique Gignac-Yochum, a lawful permanent resident (LPR) from Canada, in Tucson, Arizona on October 28, 2026. Federal authorities say she registered to vote in Wisconsin by falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, then voted in the November 8, 2022, and November 5, 2024, general elections. A federal misdemeanor arrest warrant was issued on October 23, 2026, out of the Western District of Wisconsin. When agents learned she had moved to Arizona, HSI Milwaukee coordinated with HSI Tucson, and she was in custody within days.
Why this matters for green card holders
Lawful permanent residents — people who hold a green card — are not U.S. citizens. Voting in a federal election is a right reserved exclusively for citizens. Registering to vote by falsely claiming citizenship is a federal crime. A conviction can trigger removal proceedings, meaning a judge could order you deported even if you have lived in the United States for many years. It can also permanently bar you from ever becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
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"Falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote isn't a paperwork mistake. It's a serious violation of federal law," said ICE Assistant Director of Public Affairs Micah Bock. He added that moving across state lines did not shield Gignac-Yochum from federal law enforcement. ICE coordinated across two states to make the arrest in under a week after the warrant was issued.
Under current ICE leadership, the agency has stated it is focused on enforcing election-related laws alongside its broader immigration enforcement mission. Green card holders who have voted — even unknowingly — should understand that federal agencies can and do share data across state lines. The apprehension fee for an inadmissible or removable alien is $5,300 as of October 1, 2026, a cost that can be assessed in certain enforcement actions.
What to do if you are a green card holder
- Do not register to vote or vote in any federal, state, or local election unless you have already become a U.S. citizen through naturalization — check your naturalization certificate before acting.
- If you registered to vote in the past and are unsure whether it was legal, speak with an immigration lawyer before taking any other steps — do not try to quietly "undo" a registration without legal guidance.
- If ICE contacts you or you receive any legal notice, do not ignore it. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
- If you are already in removal proceedings, you have 30 days to appeal an order of removal and 90 days to file a motion to reopen your case — missing these deadlines can end your options.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “EB-1: Priority Workers”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
As an immigration attorney, I see clients who registered to vote years ago without realizing it was illegal — often because a DMV clerk checked a box automatically. That does not make it safe. A false claim to U.S. citizenship for voting purposes is one of the most serious immigration violations: it can result in a permanent bar to naturalization and mandatory removal, even for long-term green card holders. If you have any doubt about your voting history, get a legal consultation before ICE comes to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a green card holder vote in U.S. elections?
No. Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not citizens and are barred from voting. Registering to vote by falsely claiming citizenship is a federal crime.
What happens to a green card holder who voted illegally?
They can face federal criminal charges and removal proceedings. A conviction — or even a finding that they falsely claimed U.S. citizenship — can result in deportation and a permanent bar to ever becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
What if I registered to vote by mistake years ago and never actually voted?
Even an improper registration can create immigration problems, especially if you falsely claimed citizenship on the registration form. Talk to an immigration lawyer right away. Do not try to cancel the registration on your own without legal advice.
If ICE arrests me, how long do I have to appeal or fight my case?
You have 30 days to appeal an order of removal and 90 days to file a motion to reopen your immigration case. These deadlines are strict — missing them can eliminate your legal options. Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible after any arrest or court order.