ICE Arrests Dozens for Alleged Illegal Voting in US Elections
ICE arrested dozens of noncitizens this week across the United States, alleging they illegally registered to vote or cast ballots in federal and state elections — some cases going back more than 30 years. The agency named 14 individuals from countries including Honduras, Somalia, Mexico, and Vietnam, and said these are only a fraction of ongoing investigations. For any noncitizen who ever touched a voter registration form, the risk is now concrete and immediate.
What if ICE shows up at your door over a voter registration form you filled out years ago? That is exactly what happened to dozens of people across the United States this week. ICE announced the arrest of numerous noncitizens in connection with alleged voter fraud and illegal voting in federal and state elections — some dating back to 1992, others as recent as 2026.
What ICE announced
Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella said the arrests were the result of "careful, methodical investigations" carried out with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. ICE released details on 14 individual cases as examples of broader ongoing enforcement. The individuals named came from countries including Honduras, Somalia, Mexico, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Germany. The alleged violations ranged from voting in a single election to repeated registration and ballot-casting across multiple election cycles. Several of those arrested also had prior criminal convictions or pending charges unrelated to voting.
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Immigrant rights, appeals and protective measures
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that "American elections are for Americans only." Under current law, only US citizens may vote in federal elections. Noncitizens — including green card holders (lawful permanent residents), visa holders, and undocumented immigrants — are prohibited from registering or voting. Doing so is a federal crime and can trigger removal proceedings (the formal legal process to deport someone from the US). An ICE arrest fee of $5,300 now applies in cases involving removal in absentia or apprehension of inadmissible individuals, effective October 1, 2026.
Why this matters beyond the individuals arrested
These arrests signal an active, ongoing enforcement campaign — not a one-time sweep. ICE made clear that the 14 published cases are "just some" of its current investigations. If you are a noncitizen and you registered to vote or cast a ballot at any point — even if someone told you it was legal, even if it was a local election, even if it was decades ago — you may be at risk. Lawyers who specialize in immigration law (attorneys who handle cases involving visas, green cards, and deportation) say that even an innocent mistake on a voter registration form can create serious immigration consequences.
What to do
- If you are a noncitizen and you ever registered to vote or voted — even by mistake — speak with an immigration lawyer before any contact with ICE or federal investigators. Do not try to explain the situation on your own.
- If ICE comes to your home, you have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse entry without a signed judicial warrant. Ask to see the warrant through the door before opening it.
- Do not sign any documents ICE presents without first consulting an attorney. Signing can waive important legal rights.
- If you are detained, you have the right to contact a lawyer. Ask for a list of free or low-cost legal aid organizations in your area — immigration courts are required to provide one.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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Any noncitizen — including green card holders — who registered to vote or cast a ballot, even once and even years ago, faces potential removal proceedings and possible criminal charges under federal law. If ICE contacts you or you receive any government notice related to voter registration, invoke your right to remain silent immediately and request an attorney before answering questions. The consequences here move fast, so do not wait to get legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) be deported for voting illegally?
Yes. Voting in a US federal election as a noncitizen — including as a green card holder — is a federal crime and a deportable offense. It can also permanently bar you from becoming a US citizen.
What if I registered to vote by mistake, for example on a DMV form, but never actually voted?
Even registering without voting can create immigration problems. ICE's current cases include people who registered unlawfully. Lawyers recommend disclosing this to an immigration attorney privately before any government contact, so you can understand your specific risk.
What are my rights if ICE comes to arrest me?
You have the right to remain silent. You can refuse to open your door unless ICE presents a judicial warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents before consulting a lawyer.
How far back can ICE investigate illegal voting?
ICE's own published cases show investigations going back to a 1992 federal election — more than 30 years ago. There is no indication that older cases are automatically off-limits.