FBI and ICE Tackle Illegal Voting by Noncitizens

FBI Director Kash Patel has intensified efforts against illegal voting following charges against four noncitizens in New Jersey. This move comes as New York Governor Kathy Hochul supports measures against ICE activities, aiming to prevent police collaboration with federal agents and permitting lawsuits against them.

A separate case involves an Australian resident, Denise Nataly Migliore, charged in Louisiana for unlawful voting. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana detailed that she allegedly provided false information to register and vote in federal elections.

According to prosecutors, in October 2022 and October 2024, Migliore reportedly misrepresented her citizenship status to register for federal elections. Subsequently, in each of those Novembers, she allegedly voted after falsely declaring herself as a U.S. citizen.

On July 1, Migliore was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations at a New Orleans courthouse after ICE’s investigation. Acting Assistant DHS Secretary of Public Affairs, Lauren Bis, emphasized the seriousness of these offenses. “This individual from Australia now faces severe federal charges for falsely claiming citizenship and voting illegally,” she stated.

“Our stance on noncitizens voting in American elections is unmistakable: offenders will be found, apprehended, and face legal consequences, potentially including deportation. Voting in U.S. elections is a right reserved strictly for American citizens.” — Lauren Bis

If Migliore is convicted, she might receive up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a possible $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.