Homeland Security to Check Election Records for Illegal Aliens
WASHINGTON—Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin announced plans for his department to conduct checks on election records both before and after the midterm elections, aiming to identify illegal aliens.
On Friday, Mullin provided more details about this initiative. This came a day after President Donald Trump claimed that declassified documents pointed to notable vulnerabilities in the electoral system, mentioning a Department of Homeland Security investigation that discovered over 250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in federal elections.
Mullin indicated that the DHS security team, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), would introduce an “updated election infrastructure plan” within the next month.
“From our point of view,” he stated, “[states] when you participate in the SAVE program, we will equip you with the resources and training necessary to uphold the integrity of your state’s elections.” He emphasized the goal of fostering trust in the American voting system.
In addition, Mullin mentioned that the DHS intends to closely examine election records to find illegal aliens, individuals who voted after their deaths, and others who are not eligible to vote.
“Real ID does not demonstrate citizenship, nor does it grant the right to vote. You have to be a U.S. citizen and qualified to cast a ballot,” he explained.
“Before and after elections, we will thoroughly examine all election records for illegal aliens and those ineligible to vote, including individuals who may have voted posthumously for any reason,” he added.
Mullin also noted that those who attempt to vote illegally, or encourage others to do so, will face legal consequences.
“If you engage in illegal voting or facilitate illegal voting for someone else, we will identify and prosecute you,” he stated, adding that illegal voter registration and voting carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
“We will maintain strict pressure on this issue. To be clear, we will steadily evaluate early voting and comprehensively remove anyone who cast a vote after the election,” Mullin said.
The secretary warned that if states refuse to collaborate with DHS, the department would examine public data.
“States that choose not to cooperate have public records available from people who voted, and we have already found 250,000 individuals in four states that did not join us. We intend to review those records individually and pursue all necessary actions,” Mullin concluded.
