Federal agents conducted an operation on Los Angeles’ Skid Row Thursday as part of an investigation into alleged voter fraud connected to the city’s recent mayoral election and gubernatorial primary races.
Roughly 20 federal agents, including personnel from Homeland Security Investigations, were seen moving through the area shortly before noon, interviewing dozens of homeless residents and taking notes. Witnesses described the agents, dressed in casual clothing, fanning out across the streets and speaking with locals who appeared to direct them toward specific areas and individuals.
The probe follows allegations that surfaced after Election Day, including videos in which Skid Row residents claimed they were paid to participate in voting-related activities. Some individuals alleged they received cash payments to sign registration forms, forge signatures, and complete voter information ahead of the mayoral race and primary elections.
In the recordings, residents claimed they were encouraged to support incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman. One account also stated that challenger Spencer Pratt was not included among the candidates allegedly promoted to voters.
The investigation also comes amid reports examining voter registration records tied to homeless shelters and social service organizations. According to a review cited in the reporting, more than 7,600 registered voters were linked to such addresses, including approximately 1,160 registrations connected to the Midnight Mission in Skid Row.
A separate homeless services drop-in center in Venice was also reported to have 185 registered voters associated with its address. The facility had previously received a $600,000 taxpayer-funded grant while Councilmember Nithya Raman chaired the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee.
