Illegal Migrant Charged with Voting in 7 Federal Elections Since 2008

DHS says Mauritanian national Mahady Sacko falsely claimed U.S. citizenship to cast ballots

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:33pm

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have arrested Mahady Sacko, a Mauritanian national, for illegally voting in seven federal elections since 2008. Sacko had previously been ordered removed from the U.S. by an immigration judge, but allegedly falsely certified that he was a U.S. citizen when registering to vote in Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and the potential for non-citizens to participate in U.S. federal elections. The Trump administration has made voter fraud a key priority, pushing for legislation like the SAVE America Act that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

The details

According to DHS, Sacko entered the U.S. near Miami, Florida and was later ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2002. Despite this, authorities allege that Sacko illegally registered and voted in seven federal elections in Pennsylvania since 2008. DHS says Sacko falsely certified that he was a U.S. citizen when registering to vote.

  • Sacko entered the U.S. near Miami, Florida.
  • In 2002, an immigration judge ordered Sacko's removal from the U.S.
  • Sacko allegedly voted illegally in seven federal elections in Pennsylvania since 2008.
  • On March 10, 2026, DHS announced Sacko's arrest by ICE and the FBI.

The players

Mahady Sacko

A Mauritanian national accused of illegally voting in seven U.S. federal elections since 2008 after being ordered removed from the country.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that arrested Sacko.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in Sacko's arrest.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that announced Sacko's arrest and charges of voter fraud.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who has made voter fraud a key priority and is pushing for the SAVE America Act legislation.

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What they’re saying

“This criminal illegal alien committed a felony by voting in federal elections dating back to 2008. Our elections belong to American citizens, not foreign citizens. Congress must pass the SAVE America Act immediately to secure our elections.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“I'm not going to sign anything until this is approved. It'll guarantee the midterms. If you don't get it, big trouble.”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

The judge overseeing Sacko's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's focus on cracking down on non-citizen voting, even as critics argue that documented cases of such fraud are rare. The arrest underscores the ongoing debate over election integrity and the potential impact of legislation like the SAVE America Act.