The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges on September 18 against 16 individuals across seven states for alleged election-related crimes, including illegal voting by noncitizens in federal elections and fraudulent claims of U.S. citizenship to register or cast ballots.
The indictments follow a broader enforcement effort targeting election integrity, with cases spanning Texas, Idaho, Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Michigan. The DOJ stated that some defendants allegedly voted in the 2022 and 2024 elections, while others were accused of passport fraud, wire fraud, and firearm-related offenses.
Key defendants and allegations
In Texas, eight individuals—including seven lawful permanent residents and one undocumented immigrant—were charged. Among them, Moises Anwar Arellano-Alba, a 36-year-old Mexican national, faces two counts of allegedly making false citizenship statements to register to vote and voting in a federal election. The DOJ cited Title 18 U.S. Code Section 611, which prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and Section 1015, which criminalizes false citizenship claims during voter registration or voting.
In Idaho, Avila Gomez, a Mexican national, is accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register and vote in May 2022 and November 2024. Gomez also faces charges of procuring fraudulent Idaho identification cards, a violation of Title 18 U.S. Code Section 1028, which prohibits the production of identification documents without lawful authority.
In Georgia, Analiea Milliscent Eccles, a Venezuelan national and DACA recipient, was charged with voting nine times between 2008 and 2024 as a noncitizen and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote. The DOJ did not specify whether the votes were cast in state or federal elections.
Additional cases and charges
The DOJ’s announcement included defendants from Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Michigan, with charges ranging from unlawful voting to naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and firearm-related offenses. The cases are part of a Trump administration enforcement effort targeting alleged election crimes, though the DOJ did not explicitly link the charges to any specific administration policy.
The DOJ warned on social media that the cases should serve as a deterrent, stating: "Let this be a warning to ANYONE trying to cheat and undermine our elections. Spread the word!" The agency did not provide further details on the broader scope of the investigation or whether additional charges are expected.
Legal framework and penalties
Federal law under Title 18 U.S. Code Section 611 makes it a crime for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, while Section 1015 criminalizes knowingly making false statements about citizenship during voter registration or voting. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense. The DOJ did not specify the potential sentences for the charged individuals.
The cases follow a pattern of heightened federal scrutiny of election-related crimes, particularly regarding noncitizen voting. The DOJ has previously emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in elections, though critics argue that instances of proven noncitizen voting remain statistically rare compared to the total number of votes cast in U.S. elections.
Background and context
The DOJ’s announcement comes amid ongoing debates over election integrity and voting laws in multiple states. Some states have passed stricter voter ID laws and citizenship verification measures, while others have expanded access to voting. The cases announced on September 18 do not appear to be tied to any single state’s election laws but instead reflect federal enforcement actions.
The DOJ did not respond to requests for comment on whether these cases represent a broader trend in federal election crime prosecutions or if additional indictments are anticipated. The agency also did not provide data on the total number of noncitizens registered to vote or the frequency of illegal voting nationwide.
Next steps
The charged individuals are expected to appear in federal court in the coming weeks. The DOJ has not indicated whether the cases will proceed to trial or if plea agreements are under consideration. The agency’s announcement did not include details on how the alleged crimes were uncovered, such as through tip lines, investigations, or collaborations with state election officials.
The cases will be closely watched as they proceed, with potential implications for discussions on election security and the participation of noncitizens in U.S. elections.