DOJ Charges 28 Noncitizens in California Voter Fraud Probe

The Department of Justice announced Monday it has charged 28 individuals, including green card holders, with crimes related to voter fraud in California as part of "Operation Protect the Vote."

Eleven of the accused were arrested, and the charges include unlawful voting, falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote or register, and depriving residents of a fair election process. The DOJ stated that all 28 are lawful permanent residents who are not U.S. citizens and are not permitted to vote. The action is part of a broader effort where the DOJ has sued California for allegedly refusing to cooperate in verifying over 20,000 non-citizens on the state's voter rolls.

California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, characterized the DOJ's actions as a politicized attempt to suppress voters ahead of the midterm elections. The charges come weeks before the midterms, with the Trump administration aiming to substantiate claims of widespread illegal voting by noncitizens. Data suggests noncitizen voting occurs at statistically insignificant levels and does not impact election results.