Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigators have obtained voter registration files from local election officials in Webb County, Texas, and Forsyth County, North Carolina, according to emails obtained through records requests. The move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to investigate claims of noncitizen voting, a practice that documented cases show to be extremely rare.
Background on Noncitizen Voting Claims
President Trump has repeatedly asserted that millions of illegal votes, including those cast by noncitizens, have influenced election outcomes, particularly citing his loss of the popular vote in 2016. However, data from the Heritage Foundation reveals just 100 documented cases of noncitizen voting between 1982 and 2025.
"Using ICE to pursue a problem this rare should concern everyone. ... Americans have a right to understand the full scope of the administration's actions," said Dan McGrath, Senior Oversight Counsel at Democracy Forward.
Local Election Officials Respond
Webb County election administrator Jose Castillo confirmed that ICE investigators requested voter data, directing them to use public records requests for future inquiries. Castillo noted that in his four-year tenure, only two cases of noncitizen voting were identified out of more than 150,000 voters.
HSI agents have been actively seeking voter information, including registration dates, voting history, and personal identifiers. The agency, while not commenting on active investigations, emphasized its commitment to restoring election integrity under President Trump.
Electoral Integrity Activism
Heather Honey, a prominent election integrity activist, has been in direct contact with Texas officials, collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These efforts underscore the administration's focus on ensuring only American citizens participate in elections.