DHS General Counsel: Noncitizens Illegally Voting Will Be Prosecuted and Deported

James Percival, the general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, stated on Saturday that federal authorities will identify, charge, and remove noncitizens who cast illegal ballots ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Speaking on the program 'My View with Lara Trump,' Percival outlined the agency's enforcement posture as polling places prepare to open.

"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," Percival said. He noted that more than 200 individuals have already been charged in connection with noncitizen voter fraud cases.

The comments follow a Department of Homeland Security press release issued Wednesday, which announced the arrest of dozens of noncitizens. Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers made these arrests as part of a nationwide voter fraud initiative. Mullin listed several criminal histories associated with those detained, including assault with a dangerous weapon, domestic violence, drug trafficking, burglary, and driving under the influence.

"The patriots of ICE have arrested dozens of noncitizens who illegally voted in American elections," Mullin said. "American elections are for Americans only."

State election officials have challenged the federal findings. In October, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs disputed a Justice Department report that identified more than 400 noncitizens registered to vote in the state. Federal investigators claimed some of these individuals had voted in multiple elections over several decades. Hobbs said a state review found "several glaring deficiencies" in the federal list.

"This list includes United States citizens and is not reliable," Hobbs said. He argued that without individualized proof of ineligibility, it would be illegal for officials to reject a registered voter's ballot. Hobbs added that the federal analysis included many people who were either unregistered or inactive, contradicting the claim that all listed individuals would receive ballots in the current election cycle.