DHS Orders ICE to Deport Undocumented Immigrants Involved in Illegal Voting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has instructed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce deportation for undocumented immigrants who participate in voting in American elections. A letter from DHS General Counsel James Percival to ICE leadership highlights the need for stricter penalties, including deportation, for those living unlawfully in the U.S. and engaging in voter fraud.

The Immigration and Nationality Act mandates the removal of non-citizens found illegally voting in U.S. elections. This measure reflects President Trump’s focus on maintaining election integrity.

The importance of free, fair, and honest elections cannot be overstated. ‘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,’ emphasized President Trump, as cited by Percival.

Illegal voting by non-citizens diminishes the value of legitimate votes and challenges the democratic process. Percival noted that these actions often accompany false claims of U.S. citizenship.

The directive is aligned with President Trump’s March 2025 executive order, “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” This order includes significant changes aimed at enhancing voter registration, voting machine standards, and mail-in ballot procedures to deter non-citizen voting and address systemic errors.

In recent developments, several undocumented immigrants faced charges for illegal voting activities. In March, authorities charged a Mauritanian citizen, Mahady Sacko, with voter fraud for alleged participation in every presidential election since 2008. Additionally, in May, four non-citizens faced allegations of illegal voting in multiple federal elections and of making false statements during their U.S. citizenship applications.

The directive also relates to an August 2025 update from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This update revised their policy manual to restrict green card holders who have voted or registered to vote from acquiring citizenship.