Federal authorities launched “Operation Protect the Vote” in California on Monday, targeting more than two dozen foreign nationals accused of illegally registering to vote. Most allegedly cast ballots. The operation followed a Justice Department demand for California to review suspected noncitizens on its voter rolls within 48 hours.
Homeland Security Investigations agents took 72-year-old Belizean national Alexander Muñoz into custody at his home in Commerce around 6 a.m., according to the New York Post. Investigators allege Muñoz registered to vote in September 2019 while claiming to be a U.S. citizen, then voted in 2020, twice in 2022 and again in 2024. He is also accused of falsely stating under oath on his naturalization application that he had never claimed U.S. citizenship. He faces felony charges.
The arrests follow a Justice Department lawsuit filed last week against California after state officials did not comply with a federal demand to review a list of more than 20,000 people the administration believes are likely noncitizens who received mail-in ballots.
