Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on July 17, 2026, that state election officials could face prison time if they do not comply with federal methods to identify noncitizens on voter rolls. Mullin claimed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had identified over 250,000 noncitizens on voting lists in California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. He urged states to verify their voter rolls against a DHS database, warning that failure to do so could result in loss of federal grants.
However, the use of this database has been legally challenged, with a federal judge ruling that its repurposing violated privacy rules regarding Social Security records. Critics, including voting rights experts, have raised concerns about the database's accuracy, noting that it often misidentifies newly naturalized citizens as noncitizens.
Mullin emphasized the need to ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections, stating that illegal voting could lead to criminal charges. His remarks follow a broader trend within the Trump administration to question the integrity of the electoral system as midterm elections approach. Despite claims of widespread voter fraud, multiple investigations have found no substantial evidence to support these allegations.
Mullin also announced that DHS would be reviewing election records for ineligible votes and that an updated election infrastructure plan would be released within 30 days. He called on state officials to collaborate with the federal government on these efforts and highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust in the voting system.