From NPR · · 1m 50s
Judge blocks DHS operations targeting noncitizen voters
A federal judge in California has restricted Department of Homeland Security field operations that target suspected noncitizen voters, citing flawed data and voter intimidation concerns.
In brief
A federal judge in California has restricted Department of Homeland Security field operations that target suspected noncitizen voters, citing flawed data and voter intimidation concerns. A federal judge restricted DHS field operations in nine states targeting suspected noncitizen voters, finding the agency used flawed…
Judge halts DHS voter operations
U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a nineteen-page order restricting Department of Homeland Security field operations in nine states targeting suspected noncitizen voters.
Armed agents visited homes
In recent weeks, armed Homeland Security Investigations officers conducted field operations and visited homes to interview people suspected of illegally voting as noncitizens, including people who became citizens but voted before naturalizing.
Judge found flawed data
The judge wrote that the federal government used flawed data and that its efforts likely violated the Voting Rights Act, which bars voter intimidation. A whistleblower had disclosed that the target list included U.S. citizens.
Operations planned in nine states
Homeland Security Investigations field operations were planned in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin, according to documents and CNN reporting.
Judge's restrictions on operations
Judge Martínez-Olguín barred DHS officers from conducting field operations targeting people they know, suspect, or should reasonably suspect are U.S. citizens, or based wholly on USCIS matching data without further investigation.
Naturalized citizens fear voting
A court filing described naturalized citizen members of nursing unions who no longer wanted to attend political rallies, sign up as election poll workers, or vote in person because of the federal operations.
Order takes effect Friday
The order is set to take effect on Friday and would remain in effect through election night, though the federal government could appeal the judge's decision.
What matters most
A federal judge restricted DHS field operations in nine states targeting suspected noncitizen voters, finding the agency used flawed data and likely violated the Voting Rights Act.
