Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security are conducting door-to-door operations across several states to identify potential noncitizen voters. Part of an initiative called “Operation Protect the Vote,” these armed, uniformed officers are asking residents about their immigration status and whether they have registered or cast ballots in previous elections.

What is the scale of the operation?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has alleged that as many as 250,000 noncitizens could be illegally registered to vote. However, election experts have disputed the accuracy of that figure. According to Department of Justice data, only 156 individuals have faced charges related to election fraud since the current administration took office.

In California alone, recent enforcement actions have led to significant developments:

  • More than 20 green card holders were arrested on allegations of illegal registration or voting.
  • The Department of Justice is suing to prevent California from counting mail-in ballots for 20,000 people until their citizenship is verified.
  • Arrests have occurred in various locations, including Petaluma, San Francisco, Daly City, Hayward, and San Jose.

Why is this controversial?

The use of noncitizen voter investigations has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups. Some legal experts argue the tactic is an unprecedented federal intervention into state-led voter verification processes. Jessica Marsden, a lawyer for Protect Democracy, stated the campaign "seems maximally designed to scare lawful voters from participating."

In response to the crackdown, California Attorney General Rob Bonta noted that the federal government has provided no evidence of widespread fraud, stating they had only received a list of names without proof of ineligibility. DHS maintains the mission is necessary to ensure only American citizens elect national leaders.

FAQ

What is the penalty for voter fraud?

Under federal law, committing voter fraud is a crime that can result in up to five years in prison.

Who is being targeted in these sweeps?

Recent arrests in California have specifically involved permanent residents, also known as green card holders, who allegedly registered or voted illegally.