DHS directs ICE to deport noncitizens who vote in U.S. elections

The Department of Homeland Security directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to begin deportation proceedings against noncitizens who vote in U.S. elections. A Monday letter from DHS General Counsel James Percival instructed ICE leadership to apply stricter penalties, including removal, for unlawful voting by individuals present in the United States without legal status.

The Immigration and Nationality Act already provides for the removal of noncitizens who vote illegally. DHS stated that illegal voting and false claims of citizenship frequently occur together. Percival said illegal voting dilutes the votes of citizens and must carry consequences.

The directive aligns with an executive order issued in March 2025 that addressed voter registration procedures and mail-in ballot standards.

March, authorities charged Mauritanian citizen Mahady Sacko with voter fraud for allegedly casting ballots in every presidential election since 2008. In May, four noncitizens faced charges for voting in multiple federal elections and making false statements on citizenship applications.

An August 2025 update to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual already bars green card holders who have voted or registered from obtaining citizenship. Noncitizens remain prohibited from voting in state and federal elections.