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DOJ Warns California: Noncitizen Ballot Counts Could Face Prosecution

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 4:34 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Justice Dept. Sues California

U.S. Justice Department warned California election workers that counting ballots from suspected noncitizens could trigger federal prosecution.
The DOJ sued California on Oct 15 to stop counting about 20,000 mail-in ballots pending citizenship verification.
Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan ruled on Oct 9 the DOJ’s voter-roll cross-check policy violated privacy and exceeded authority.
Nevada officials verified all 185 reviewed individuals were citizens, refuting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimate of noncitizen registrations.

Summary

Omar's Team Demands Preservation

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Emily Covington said Omar’s defense letter is riddled with false allegations.
Former President Barack Obama called the DOJ probe of Rep. Ilhan Omar “appalling” and an intimidation tactic.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had nothing to do with the search and called Omar “crooked”.
Omar’s lawyers demanded the DOJ preserve any audio or video recorded during the home search.

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Justice Dept. Sues California

U.S. Justice Department warned California election workers that counting ballots from suspected noncitizens could trigger federal prosecution.
The DOJ sued California on Oct 15 to stop counting about 20,000 mail-in ballots pending citizenship verification.
Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan ruled on Oct 9 the DOJ’s voter-roll cross-check policy violated privacy and exceeded authority.
Nevada officials verified all 185 reviewed individuals were citizens, refuting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimate of noncitizen registrations.

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