ICE Arrests Immigrants for Illegal Voting: What It Means for You
You have a green card and have lived in the US for years — but a single vote could cost you everything. On November 3, 2026, ICE arrested 14 foreign nationals for allegedly voting in U.S. elections illegally, and the DOJ charged 63 people for election-related crimes. Non-citizens who vote face deportation and a permanent bar from citizenship.
You have a green card. You have lived here for years. Then one day ICE shows up at your door — not because of a crime, but because of a vote. That is exactly what happened to at least 14 foreign nationals arrested by ICE on November 3, 2026, for allegedly casting ballots in U.S. elections they were not legally allowed to vote in.
ICE announced the arrests as part of a broader voter fraud crackdown. Among those arrested: Alejandro Villegas Garcia, accused of voting in both the 2022 and 2024 elections; Stanley Jide, accused of voting unlawfully in 2022; and Julio Ceser Arias Antonio, accused of voting in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. A day earlier, on November 2, the Department of Justice announced charges against 63 people for election-related crimes — four of them were non-citizens. These individuals now face removal proceedings, and some may face criminal charges on top of that.
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Why This Matters Even If You Never Voted
Under U.S. law, only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. Non-citizens — including green card holders, visa holders, and people with work permits — are barred from voting. Doing so is a federal crime. A conviction can lead to deportation, a permanent bar from obtaining a green card or citizenship, and in some cases, criminal prosecution. Even if someone voted by mistake — for example, after being incorrectly told they were eligible — ICE and the DOJ are treating these cases as intentional violations.
If you are currently in removal proceedings or have an upcoming immigration court hearing, a voting-related charge could seriously damage your case. An immigration judge may view it as a negative factor when deciding whether to grant relief. The arrest fee for a removal in absentia case is $5,300, and a stay of deportation using Form I-246 costs $155. These are costs you want to avoid entirely by staying informed about what non-citizens can and cannot do.
What to Do
- If you are not a U.S. citizen — including green card holders — do not register to vote and do not vote in any federal, state, or local election unless you have confirmed with an immigration attorney that you are eligible.
- If you received a voter registration card in the mail automatically (this happens in some states with automatic registration), do not assume you are allowed to vote. Contact an immigration lawyer before taking any action.
- If ICE contacts you or comes to your home, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel.
- If you believe you voted by mistake in the past, speak with an immigration attorney immediately — before any charges are filed — to understand your options and exposure.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Illegal voting by a non-citizen is considered a deportable offense and can permanently bar someone from naturalizing or obtaining a green card. Even a good-faith mistake — such as voting after being incorrectly registered — does not automatically protect you from removal proceedings, because the government may still argue intent. If you have any doubt about your voting history or eligibility, consult an immigration attorney before ICE or the DOJ contacts you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a green card holder vote in U.S. elections?
No. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. Green card holders, visa holders, and people with work permits (EAD) are all prohibited from voting. Doing so is a federal crime that can lead to deportation and a permanent bar from citizenship.
What happens if I voted by mistake as a non-citizen?
You could still face removal proceedings even if the vote was unintentional. The government may argue the act was deliberate. Speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible — before any charges are filed — to assess your risk and options.
What are my rights if ICE comes to my door over a voting allegation?
You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions or let ICE inside your home without a warrant signed by a judge. Do not sign any documents. Ask to speak with an immigration attorney immediately.
Can I be deported even if I was never convicted of illegal voting?
ICE can place you in removal proceedings based on an arrest or charge — a conviction is not always required. An immigration judge will then decide your case. Having a pending criminal charge for illegal voting can seriously hurt your chances of getting relief in immigration court.