ICE will deport illegal immigrants who voted in federal elections: DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a letter earlier this month directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport illegal immigrants found to have voted in American elections.

In a letter dated June 9 that was sent to ICE leadership from DHS General Counsel James Percival, the agency was directed to enforce harsh penalties, such as deportations, against individuals residing in the US who cast ballots. The Immigration and Nationality Act permits the removal of illegal immigrants who vote in American elections.

"The importance of free, fair, and honest elections is without question. Echoing the words of President Trump, ‘the right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election,’" Percival said. "Illegal voting by aliens dilutes the votes of American citizens and undermines our democracy. It must have consequences."

The directive is one of many implemented policies by the Trump administration to protect the integrity of elections, particularly after his March 2025 executive order titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” The federal government has sought changes to voting machine standards, mail-in ballots, and ensuring voter rolls do not include non-citizens. 

The Department of Justice has highlighted several examples of illegal immigrants who have voted in elections. Back in February, a Colombian national who illegally lived in the US for over 20 years was convicted after having been found guilty of identity theft offenses and voter fraud committed while using the stolen identity. The suspect, 59-year-old Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, cast a fraudulent ballot in the 2024 presidential election.