Federal prosecutors have charged four noncitizens, including two individuals living in the United States illegally, with illegal voting offenses in Pennsylvania, according to a Justice Department announcement released Monday.
Explainer Voter Registration Integrity: Revealing Risks and Reform Paths for American Elections
The charges underscore persistent concerns about the integrity of U.S. elections, especially in battleground states such as Pennsylvania. Federal authorities have continued to pursue cases involving noncitizen voting and registration, which are both federal crimes under U.S. law.
The Justice Department reported that it has brought more than two dozen election fraud cases in September alone, most of which involve noncitizens accused of either voting or registering to vote. These latest cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for investigating threats to the nation’s security, including election-related offenses.
Details of the Charges
According to court documents, Cliff Sanon, 39, an illegal alien from Haiti residing in Philadelphia, was charged with submitting a fraudulent voter registration application. Prosecutors allege that Sanon submitted a voter registration application in February 2026 in Philadelphia County ahead of the May 2026 primary election. Authorities claim this was one of eight fraudulent applications he submitted. The complaint further alleges that Sanon cast a ballot in the November 2022 general election.
Dilea Ochoa-Perez, 43, an illegal alien from Mexico living in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, was charged with two counts of voting as an alien. Federal prosecutors allege that Ochoa-Perez voted in Chester County in both the November 2022 and November 2024 general elections.
Sade Guppy, 37, a lawful permanent resident and national of Trinidad and Tobago, was charged with one count of voting as an alien. Guppy is accused of illegally voting in Philadelphia County during the November 2022 general election.
Eduardo Gallardo Maldonado, 66, a lawful permanent resident from Mexico, was charged with one count of voting as an alien. Prosecutors allege that Maldonado voted in Philadelphia County in the November 2024 general election.
Federal law prohibits noncitizens, including both lawful permanent residents and those present in the country illegally, from voting in federal elections. It is also a crime for noncitizens to register to vote in federal elections. The charges brought against these four individuals reflect the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to enforce these laws and deter future violations.
Statements From Officials
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s elections. In a statement, Metcalf said, “Our sovereignty as a nation belongs to the American people and no one else. Anyone, including illegal aliens, who votes illegally in our elections will be prosecuted for corrupting our democracy.”
Nathan Abel, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia, also commented on the significance of the cases:
"Voting by noncitizens is illegal and has real consequences for the American public. Every unlawful ballot can undermine confidence in the election process and diminish the voices of American citizens."
These statements reflect the federal government’s position that even isolated incidents of illegal voting can have broader implications for public trust in the electoral system.
Broader Context and Response
The Justice Department’s recent actions are part of a broader initiative to address election fraud nationwide, with a particular focus on cases involving noncitizens. While federal officials have not specified whether these cases indicate a growing trend or are isolated incidents, the prosecutions come amid ongoing debates over election security and the adequacy of existing safeguards.
Supporters of stricter election laws argue that such prosecutions are necessary to protect the integrity of the vote and to deter future violations. They contend that even a small number of illegal ballots can have an outsized impact in closely contested races, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. These advocates often call for enhanced voter identification requirements and more rigorous checks of voter rolls to prevent noncitizens from registering or casting ballots.
Critics of heightened enforcement or stricter voting laws have not yet responded to the latest charges. In the past, some have argued that cases of noncitizen voting are rare and that increased prosecutions or new restrictions could discourage eligible voters from participating. They also point out that existing laws already make it a crime for noncitizens to vote or register to vote in federal elections.
The four cases remain under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Court proceedings for the defendants are pending, and no trial dates have been set. The Justice Department has indicated that it will continue to prioritize election integrity cases and to pursue charges where evidence of illegal voting is found.
The outcome of these cases may influence ongoing discussions about election security and the enforcement of voting laws, both in Pennsylvania and across the country. As the legal process moves forward, federal authorities are expected to provide further updates on the status of these and other election-related prosecutions.
