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NewsThe Haitian TimesOctober 24, 2026Miami-Dade County

Federal Authorities Charge More Than Two Dozen Legal Permanent Residents in California Over Voter Registration and Immigration Forms

Photo: The Haitian Times

Federal authorities in California have charged more than two dozen legal permanent residents with alleged illegal voter registration, noncitizen voting, and making false statements on immigration or naturalization forms. The arrests stem from investigations utilizing government and voter registration records, with some defendants facing potential prison time or deportation. The enforcement actions coincide with a broader federal administration initiative to examine noncitizen voting ahead of midterm elections.

Voter RegistrationImmigration EnforcementNaturalizationFederal Investigations
Read the full story at The Haitian Times

Why It Matters

s pursuing U.S. citizenship face potential felony or misdemeanor charges, up to a decade in prison, and deportation risks over alleged voter registration and application errors.

Key Facts

  • Federal authorities charged more than two dozen legal permanent residents in California with alleged illegal voter registration, noncitizen voting, and lying on immigration or naturalization forms.
  • As of Thursday morning, the federal government had filed charging documents in 10 of the 28 total cases.
  • The Justice Department stated that six individuals face misdemeanor charges for voting as a noncitizen, while 22 others face felony charges including lying on naturalization interviews or voter registration forms.
  • Immigrants convicted of illegally voting face up to a year in prison, while those convicted of lying on citizenship applications face up to a decade.
  • José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz, a legal permanent resident of 40 years, was charged with improperly claiming citizenship on a 2007 voter registration form after receiving a driver's license.
  • Pamele Arbues Line was arrested by Homeland Security agents following her naturalization interview in San Diego after allegedly registering to vote multiple times and submitting ballots.
  • The Department of Justice previously sued California for not complying with a request to verify the citizenship status of roughly 20,000 registered voters.
  • Federal government data shows officials approved 58,000 naturalization applications between April and June 2026, which is less than a quarter of the approvals during the same period in 2025.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationHomeland Security“Agency whose agents arrested suspects and performed a benefits fraud audit.”PersonKulwinder Singh“Husband of Amandeep Kaur and U.S. citizen.”locationCalifornia“State where federal authorities charged legal permanent residents.”PersonPamele Arbues Line“Naturalization applicant arrested by Homeland Security agents in San Diego.”locationLos Angeles“City where José Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz was arrested.”PersonBill Essayli“First Assistant U.S. Attorney who made a statement announcing the charges.”PersonAmandeep Kaur“Legal permanent resident facing charges, whose husband spoke to the press.”locationSan Diego“City where Pamele Arbues Line was interviewed and arrested.”PersonJosé Antonio Bañuelos-Díaz“Legal permanent resident charged with improperly claiming to be a citizen when r”OrganizationDepartment of Justice“Federal department that issued a statement regarding the charges and sued Califo”