Federal authorities have arrested two noncitizens accused of voting in U.S. elections, highlighting ongoing enforcement actions against alleged election-related crimes. The cases underscore legal restrictions on noncitizen voting and federal efforts to address such violations.
Federal Arrests in Texas and Indiana
On Sept. 3, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations arrested Ludwig Uriel Espejo-Carrillo, a Mexican national, in El Paso, Texas. Espejo-Carrillo was administratively charged with unlawful voting and false claim to U.S. citizenship, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorities allege he voted in a U.S. election in 2015, despite becoming a lawful permanent resident in 2013. Lawful permanent residents are authorized to live in the U.S. permanently but are not legally permitted to vote in federal, state, or most local elections.
Separately, ICE officers in Indianapolis arrested Helda Araceli Mendez-Merida, a Guatemalan national, on the same day. Mendez-Merida was accused of voting in a national election in Indiana, though the specific election was not disclosed. She illegally entered the U.S. in September 2015 and had been issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in September 2019. Both individuals remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Legal and Political Responses
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in a Sept. 17 press release that noncitizen voting undermines American democracy. "This is what a threat to our republic looks like. We cannot and will not allow the votes of American citizens to be canceled out by non-citizens illegally voting in our elections," Mullin said. A White House spokeswoman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that only U.S. citizens should elect American leaders.
ICE Acting Assistant Director Patricia Hyde added that voting is a privilege reserved exclusively for citizens, calling such violations an attempt to subvert elections. "Voting in U.S. elections is a privilege that is reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens, and we cannot allow that sacred right to be perverted by foreign nationals who seek to undermine American democracy," Hyde stated.
Broader Enforcement Trends
The arrests follow a wave of federal actions targeting noncitizens for alleged election-related crimes. On Sept. 10 and 11, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced charges against seven noncitizens for illegally voting in federal elections or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. These cases reflect a broader federal effort to enforce laws prohibiting noncitizen voting, which carries penalties including deportation and criminal charges.
Federal law explicitly prohibits noncitizens, including permanent legal residents, from voting in federal, state, and most local elections. Violations can result in administrative charges, deportation, and potential criminal prosecution. The cases remain pending as authorities continue investigations.
Background on Noncitizen Voting Laws
Under U.S. law, only citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may live and work in the U.S. indefinitely but are barred from voting unless they naturalize. False claims to U.S. citizenship, including voter registration, are federal offenses punishable by deportation and potential criminal penalties. These restrictions aim to preserve the integrity of elections and ensure that only eligible voters participate.
The cases of Espejo-Carrillo and Mendez-Merida are part of ongoing federal enforcement efforts to address alleged violations of these laws. Authorities have not provided additional details about the investigations or the individuals’ legal representation.