Federal agents knock on doors to track down possible noncitizen voters ahead of midterms

Updated on: October 21, 2026 / 2:20 PM EDT / CBS News

Federal agents knock on doors to track down possible noncitizen voters ahead of midterms

TL;DR

  • Federal agents from Homeland Security are conducting home visits to inquire about residents' immigration status and voter registration.
  • The operation aims to identify and root out potential noncitizen voters ahead of elections.
  • Critics, including a lawyer for Protect Democracy, express concerns that the presence of armed federal agents could intimidate legal voters.
  • The Department of Justice has reported arrests of green card holders in California for alleged illegal voting.
  • A DHS spokesperson stated the agency is focused on prosecuting and removing noncitizens who vote, assuring legal residents have nothing to fear.
  • Internal documents reveal a 'Criminal Voter Fraud' initiative involving 'field reviews' in at least six states.
  • Concerns have been raised by civil rights advocates and a Democratic Representative about the potential chilling effect on legal voters and a perceived voter suppression agenda.