Story perspectives

Former Kansas Mayor Detained by ICE After Illegal Voting Plea

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained former Kansas mayor Joe Ceballos at the Wichita office on May 13, 2026 after his guilty plea.
He admitted voting while a legal permanent resident, prompting Attorney General Kris Kobach to charge him with voting without qualification and election perjury.
Ceballos pleaded guilty to disorderly election conduct, a misdemeanor, earning the judge’s praise.
Supporters gathered outside the ICE building with signs demanding his release.

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Story summary

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained former Kansas mayor Joe Ceballos at the Wichita office on May 13, 2026 after his guilty plea.
He admitted voting while a legal permanent resident, prompting Attorney General Kris Kobach to charge him with voting without qualification and election perjury.
Ceballos pleaded guilty to disorderly election conduct, a misdemeanor, earning the judge’s praise.
Supporters gathered outside the ICE building with signs demanding his release.