Ten foreigners detained for unauthorized voting in North Carolina, a key state.

October 24, 2026

Federal Arrests in North Carolina Over Voting Violations

Federal agents have detained ten foreign nationals in North Carolina this month, alleging that they voted illegally in several elections across the country in recent years.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that nine green card holders and one unauthorized immigrant were apprehended on October 14 and 15 for unlawfully participating in federal elections.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “These individuals knowingly violated our laws. Now, thanks to the dedicated work of HSI and our colleagues at the Department of Justice, they will have to answer for infringing upon the fundamental right of Americans to choose their leaders.”

The individuals arrested and their charges include:

Edduard Omar Majano-Sosa, from El Salvador, faces charges for falsely claiming citizenship to register to vote in 2024. He illegally entered the United States in July 2022 near El Paso, Texas, and was allowed into the country by the Biden Administration. He was apprehended by HSI on October 15, 2026, and is also charged with being a prohibited person with a firearm after a pistol was found in his car during the arrest.
Karl Paul Fout, a German citizen, is charged with illegally claiming citizenship to vote in 2008. He reportedly voted in seven elections from 2008 through 2024. His criminal record includes prior convictions for drug possession with intent to sell. Fout was arrested on October 15, 2026, having been lawfully admitted to the U.S. in February 1960.
Lawton Caswell Broomfield E McKenzie, originally from Jamaica, is charged with falsely claiming citizenship for voting in 2007 and 2012. He illegally participated in three general elections from 2012 to 2024 and has a history of various criminal offenses. He was arrested on October 15, 2026, and legally entered the U.S. in November 1986.
Lionel Paul, from Haiti, faces charges for illegally registering and voting in the 2024 elections. He was apprehended on October 15, 2026, having a criminal history that includes fleeing from arrest with a vehicle. Paul became a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in October 2018.
James Edward Herrmann, another German citizen, is accused of falsely claiming citizenship to vote in 2018 and has illegally voted in two general elections between 2018 and 2024. He was arrested by the FBI on October 14, 2026, and was lawfully admitted in December 1983.
Ramona Abreu-Exia, from Germany, is charged with illegally registering to vote in 2004 and was found to have voted in eight general elections up to 2024, in addition to the 2008 primary. She was arrested on October 14, 2026, and immigrated lawful in October 1977.
Mervin Sylvester Bogle, from Jamaica, faces charges for fraudulently claiming citizenship to vote, which included illegally casting ballots in three elections between 2008 and 2024. He was arrested on October 15, 2026, having legally entered the U.S. in February 1981.
Robert Harold Corbett, from Canada, is charged similarly for registering in 1998 and voting illegally in six elections through 2024. He was arrested by the FBI on October 14, 2026, and was legally present in the U.S. since December 1963.
Ludgardys Olena Matthews, from Panama, is accused of falsely claiming citizenship to vote, as she voted in three general elections from 2018 to 2024 and in the 2020 primary. She was arrested on October 15, 2026, having lawful admission in October 1986 and LPR status granted in September 2015.
Gjina Gojcaj McDonald, a Montenegrin national, is charged with fraud for registering to vote in 2008. She illegally voted in seven general elections between 2008 and 2024, and was arrested by the FBI on October 14, 2026. She was lawfully admitted to the U.S. in February 1969.

Acting ICE Director David Venturella emphasized that these arrests highlight the seriousness of election laws, asserting that violations will lead to accountability.

This action is part of a broader initiative from the Trump administration aimed at addressing noncitizen voting in U.S. elections. Recently, an additional case emerged in Minnesota involving Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, charged with making a false claim of American citizenship for the purpose of voting in 2024.

Mullin concluded, “Let this serve as a warning to any non-citizens considering voting: if you vote illegally, we will arrest you and charge you. Only American citizens should elect American leaders.”