NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 29, 2026Miami-Dade County
Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Disclose States Targeted in Noncitizen Voting Inquiries
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to identify all states pressured to comply with its efforts to prevent noncitizens from voting in the midterm election. Chief Judge James Boasberg indicated he will rule by Monday on a Democratic request to block the administration from interfering with state election procedures.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The court's upcoming decision could determine whether the federal government can legally pressure states or challenge ballot counting procedures just days before Election Day.
Key Facts
- A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to identify all states where it has pressured officials to comply with efforts to prevent noncitizens from voting.
- Chief Judge James Boasberg stated he intends to rule by Monday on a request by Democratic Party leaders to block the administration's election-related conduct.
- The administration can moot the process by filing a notice indicating it will not engage in the challenged conduct.
- The lawsuit questions whether states besides California and Washington received Justice Department letters threatening criminal prosecution for retaining noncitizens on voter lists.
- Democratic Party leaders sued on Oct. 20 in U.S. district court to prevent interference with state election administration.
- The plaintiffs asked the court to bar the administration from removing legally registered voters or preventing states from issuing and counting ballots.
- The Justice Department sued California to block the counting of mail ballots cast by individuals identified as 'likely' noncitizens until their status is confirmed.
- A federal judge previously sided with California in the ballot-counting case, prompting an immediate appeal from the Justice Department.
- Justice Department attorney Christian Dibblee stated that the administration's letters do not require states to act unless a court order is obtained.
- Judge Boasberg ordered the administration to turn over its list of letter recipients by Friday.
- The judge expressed doubt during the hearing regarding whether the Democratic plaintiffs have established legal standing.
Who's Mentioned
PersonChristian Dibblee“Justice Department attorney representing the administration.”OrganizationDemocratic Senatorial Campaign Committee“Plaintiff in the lawsuit.”OrganizationJustice Department“Federal agency involved in sending letters and defending the administration's ac”locationWASHINGTON“Dateline of the news report.”PersonHakeem Jeffries“House Minority Leader and plaintiff in the lawsuit.”OrganizationDemocratic Governors Association“Plaintiff in the lawsuit.”locationCalifornia“State where the Justice Department sued to block counting of mail ballots.”OrganizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Named defendant agency.”locationEl Salvador“Country referenced in past deportation disputes.”OrganizationDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committee“Plaintiff in the lawsuit.”PersonTodd Blanche“Attorney General and named defendant.”PersonChuck Schumer“Senate Minority Leader and plaintiff in the lawsuit.”PersonDonald Trump“President whose administration is facing a lawsuit over election-related conduct”PersonJames Boasberg“Chief U.S. District Judge presiding over the lawsuit.”PersonBarack Obama“Democratic President who nominated Judge Boasberg.”locationWashington“State referenced alongside California regarding DOJ letters.”PersonUzoma Nkwonta“Lawyer representing the plaintiffs.”PersonMarkwayne Mullin“Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and named defendant.”