Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, highlighted recent actions regarding border enforcement and voter fraud investigations. Mullin criticized the Biden administration’s border policies, noting that there have been 16 months with no releases under current enforcement measures. He emphasized the commitment of DHS and ICE to target high-risk individuals to enhance community safety.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced charges against 16 individuals across various states for alleged election-related crimes, including illegal voting and voter registration by noncitizens. The DOJ’s statement cautioned that some of those charged voted in the 2022 and 2024 elections and warned against illegal participation.
The DOJ stated, “Let this be a warning to ANYONE trying to cheat and undermine our elections.”
In Texas, eight noncitizens faced charges, with additional cases involving defendants from Idaho, Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Michigan. The accusations include noncitizens voting, false U.S. citizenship claims, and related fraud offenses. The charges are part of a broader enforcement effort initiated under the Trump administration targeting illegal voting activities.
Specific cases include Monica Carzoli, a lawful permanent resident in Texas, who admitted to voting illegally in the November 2024 election. In Georgia, Analiea Milliscent Eccles, a Venezuelan national and DACA recipient, faced similar charges, having voted multiple times since 2008.
In Idaho, Avila Gomez, a Mexican national, is accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote, with additional charges of wire fraud and document-related offenses. Santana Coulibaly in New Jersey allegedly registered and voted illegally in several elections. Nigerian national Gladys Adaeze Okafor was also charged for voting in the 2022 and 2024 elections.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald revealed that 50 noncitizens have faced charges for illegal voting under the Trump administration.
In a broader context, Mullin pointed out ongoing investigations, with over 1,620 open cases and 151 arrests. Authorities are assessing more than 300,000 suspected cases of illegality, a number Mullin noted is increasing.
Mullin remarked, “Every illegal vote cancels out a legally registered citizen’s vote.”
The DOJ emphasized that charges are accusations, and all defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.