DOJ Charges 28 in California Noncitizen Voting Crackdown 2026

The Department of Justice has charged 28 green card holders in California with fraudulently registering to vote and casting illegal ballots, marking a significant escalation in federal efforts against alleged noncitizen voting. The arrests, which include 11 people in custody, come just days after the DOJ sued California to block the state from tabulating certain ballots in November's midterms.

California's secretary of state, Shirley Weber, called the demands "outrageous," pointing out that federal officials have spent months making "vague and unsubstantiated allegations." The charges and the lawsuit together represent an unprecedented federal intervention in state election administration.

What Happened in California?

Federal prosecutors announced charges against 28 individuals who allegedly registered to vote and cast ballots despite being noncitizens. According to the DOJ, these individuals are green card holders, meaning they are lawful permanent residents but not U.S. citizens. Noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal elections under U.S. law.

The arrests are part of a broader pattern: the DOJ has been investigating noncitizen voting across multiple states. Just days before the California arrests, the department sued California to prevent the state from counting certain ballots in the upcoming midterms, arguing that the state's procedures may allow noncitizens to vote.

Why This Matters: Federal vs. State Authority

The clash between the DOJ and California officials highlights a fundamental disagreement over election integrity and federal oversight. The DOJ claims it is enforcing federal law, while California officials argue the federal government is overstepping its authority and interfering with state-run elections.

Secretary of State Weber's sharp response underscores the tension: she accused federal officials of making unsubstantiated claims and attempting to sow doubt about the electoral process. This dispute could set a precedent for how much power the federal government has to intervene in state elections.

Key Takeaways

• 28 green card holders in California face charges for allegedly registering and voting illegally.
• The DOJ sued California to block the state from tabulating certain ballots in the midterms.
• California's secretary of state called the federal demands "outrageous" and criticized unsubstantiated allegations.
• Democrats and voting rights groups fear the administration is laying groundwork to challenge election results.
• The case raises questions about federal vs. state authority in election administration.

Who Is Affected?

The 28 charged individuals face potential criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Beyond the individuals, the case affects California's election officials, who must now navigate federal demands while ensuring a smooth midterm election. Voters in California and across the country may also feel the impact if the federal lawsuit leads to changes in how ballots are processed.

Voting rights groups warn that the actions could intimidate eligible voters, particularly naturalized citizens and communities of color, by creating confusion about who is allowed to vote. The DOJ maintains that its actions are aimed at preventing fraud and protecting the integrity of the electoral process. The background to this story is set out in DOJ Charges 28 Green Card Holders in California Voter Fraud Case. A related thread runs through DOJ Sues California Over Alleged Noncitizen Voting in Midterms. Earlier coverage in US Justice Department Dismisses Charges Against California Union shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

The legal battle between the DOJ and California is likely to intensify as the midterms approach. The federal lawsuit seeking to block California from tabulating certain ballots could be decided in the coming weeks, potentially affecting the outcome of close races. Meanwhile, the criminal cases against the 28 individuals will proceed through the courts. A closer look at the same subject appears in Justice Department drops charges against California union leader. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trump DOJ Indicts 10 in Minnesota Noncitizen Voting Crackdown. The same theme surfaces in DOJ Seeks Charges Against Cassidy Hutchinson for January 6 Testimony, which takes a different angle.

Democrats and voting rights advocates are also watching for further federal actions in other states, fearing a pattern of intervention designed to undermine confidence in the election results. The administration has signaled that it will continue to pursue allegations of noncitizen voting, which it claims is a widespread problem despite evidence to the contrary. Context on how this played out before sits in California Courthouse Bomber Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charges.

FAQ

What are the charges against the 28 individuals in California?

The 28 green card holders are accused of fraudulently registering to vote and casting illegal ballots in federal elections. Noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal elections under U.S. law.

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Why did the DOJ sue California?

The DOJ sued California to block the state from tabulating certain ballots in the November midterms, arguing that the state's procedures may allow noncitizens to vote. California officials have called the lawsuit an overreach.

How has California responded to the federal actions?

California's secretary of state, Shirley Weber, called the federal demands "outrageous" and criticized federal officials for making "vague and unsubstantiated allegations" over several months.

What impact could this have on the midterms?

The legal battle could affect how ballots are counted in California and potentially influence close races. It may also erode public confidence in the electoral process, especially among voters who are targeted by misinformation.

The DOJ's actions in California are part of a larger pattern of federal scrutiny over election procedures. As the midterms draw near, similar cases may emerge in other states. For a deeper look at how the DOJ has pursued noncitizen voting allegations, see our coverage of the DOJ suing California over alleged noncitizen voting in midterms, which details the legal arguments on both sides.

Meanwhile, the administration's focus on noncitizen voting has also led to indictments in other states. In Minnesota, for example, the DOJ recently indicted 10 individuals in a noncitizen voting crackdown, signaling a nationwide effort. These cases will be closely watched as they move through the courts.

Understanding the legal and political implications of these actions is crucial for voters and policymakers alike. As the debate over election integrity continues, staying informed about federal vs. state authority and the potential impact on upcoming elections is essential. For more on the Minnesota case, read about the Trump DOJ indicting 10 in Minnesota noncitizen voting crackdown.