DHS Directs ICE to Deport Undocumented Immigrants Voting Illegally

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a directive to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the deportation of undocumented immigrants who participate in American elections illegally. A letter, sent on Monday by DHS General Counsel James Percival to ICE leadership, calls for the enforcement of stricter penalties against these actions, including deportation.

The directive is in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates the removal of noncitizens who illegally vote in American elections. According to the DHS, illegal voting and false claims of U.S. citizenship frequently occur together.

“The importance of free, fair, and honest elections is indisputable. President Trump emphasized the necessity for American citizens to have their votes counted accurately, without illegal interference,” said Percival. “Illegal voting by noncitizens undermines democracy by diluting the legitimate votes of American citizens, which requires appropriate consequences.”

This action aligns with policies initiated under President Trump’s March 2025 executive order, titled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections.” The order details broad changes in voter registration, voting machine standards, and mail-in ballot regulations, with a focus on preventing non-citizen voting and addressing systemic errors.

In recent months, numerous undocumented immigrants have faced charges for alleged illegal voting in U.S. elections. One notable case involved Mahady Sacko, a Mauritanian citizen charged in March for purportedly voting in every presidential election since 2008. Additionally, in May, four noncitizens faced charges for allegedly casting illegal votes in various federal elections and making false statements during their U.S. citizenship applications. Noncitizens remain legally barred from voting in both state and federal elections.

This directive follows the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ August 2025 policy update, which prohibits green card holders who have voted or registered to vote from acquiring citizenship.