ICE arrests illegal migrant accused of voting in 7 federal elections since 2008: DHS

WASHINGTON (TNND) — A Mauritanian national accused of illegally casting ballots in seven U.S. elections since 2008 was charged with voter fraud, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS on Monday said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Mahady Sacko in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mahady Sacko (Photo: Department of Homeland Security)

“This criminal illegal alien committed a felony by voting in federal elections dating back to 2008,” Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a news release.

“Our elections belong to American citizens, not foreign citizens. Congress must pass the SAVE America Act immediately to secure our elections.”

DHS said Sacko entered the U.S. near Miami, Florida, and was later ordered removed by an immigration judge. The agency said Sacko exhausted his appeals, and the Board of Immigration Appeals upheld his removal order on Nov. 14, 2002.

Authorities alleged Sacko falsely certified that he was a U.S. citizen when registering to vote in Pennsylvania.

The news comes as President Donald Trump and his administration continue to push for the SAVE America Act. Trump on Monday said he won’t sign any other legislation into law until Congress passes it.

“I’m not going to sign anything until this is approved,” Trump previously said, calling it his No. 1 priority.

“It’ll guarantee the midterms,” he added. “If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

Formally known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, the SAVE America Actis federal legislation that would require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when individuals register to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue the bill would strengthen election integrity by preventing non-citizens from registering or casting ballots.

Under the proposed legislation, acceptable documentation could include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued proof of citizenship. The measure would also require states to remove non-citizens from voter rolls if identified.

Republican lawmakers backing the bill say it is necessary to close gaps in the voter registration process. Critics argue that documented cases of non-citizen voting are rare and warn the proposal could create additional hurdles for eligible voters who may not have immediate access to required documents.

DHS officials said the arrest underscores the department’s commitment to protecting election integrity and enforcing immigration law.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.