Kansas Mayor Jose Ceballos Faces Deportation Over Voter Fraud Allegations

Jose Ceballos, the mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, is facing serious legal challenges, including felony voter fraud charges and potential deportation. The Kansas Attorney General, Kris Kobach, has accused Ceballos of voting in U.S. elections despite not being a U.S. citizen. Ceballos, a registered Republican who has served as mayor since 2021, allegedly cast ballots in multiple elections, including those in November 2022, November 2023, and August 2024. If convicted, he could face over five years in prison and fines up to $200,000.

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Ceballos, originally from Mexico, received a green card in 1990 and applied for U.S. citizenship in February 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated that if he is convicted, he will be placed in removal proceedings. Ceballos has stated that he believed his permanent residency allowed him to vote, having participated in elections since 1991. He has expressed fear about the prospect of deportation, stating, “I haven’t seen Mexico since I was four... If I get deported, it would wreck my life.”

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Kris Kobach emphasized the legal implications of Ceballos' actions, stating, "In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times." Meanwhile, Coldwater City Council President Britt Lenertz remarked on the situation, saying, "While the recent allegations involving the mayor are understandably concerning, we will allow the proper legal process to take its course before making any further comments."

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The community's response to the allegations has been mixed. Some residents express disbelief that Ceballos, a well-liked figure, could be involved in such actions. A local rancher, Dennis Swayze, noted, "If deportation happens, I can tell you that Kobach will have trouble showing up here." Others, however, reflect on the broader implications of their political choices, recognizing that their support for strict immigration policies may have contributed to Ceballos' predicament.

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While Ceballos has admitted to voting in elections, there is a discrepancy regarding the understanding of his eligibility. Some sources suggest he genuinely believed he was allowed to vote due to his permanent residency status. This raises questions about the clarity of voter registration laws and the responsibilities of local officials in informing residents about their voting rights.

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Ceballos' next court date is scheduled for December 3, 2025. The outcome of this case will not only determine his legal fate but also reflect on the implications of voter fraud allegations within the context of immigration policy and local governance.

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• “In Kansas, it is against the law to vote if you are not a U.S. citizen. We allege that Mr. Ceballos did it multiple times.” — Kris Kobach, Kansas Attorney General

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• “I don’t speak Spanish anymore. If I get deported, it would wreck my life.” — Jose Ceballos, Mayor of Coldwater

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• “While the recent allegations involving the mayor are understandably concerning, we will allow the proper legal process to take its course before making any further comments.” — Britt Lenertz, Coldwater City Council President

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