Illegal Immigrant Charged with Voting in Federal Elections Since 2008

Mauritanian man ordered deported in 2002 allegedly cast ballots for over a decade

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Mauritanian illegal immigrant living in Philadelphia has been arrested by ICE and charged with fraudulent voting after allegedly casting ballots in multiple federal elections stretching back to 2008. Mahady Sacko was ordered deported more than two decades ago, but remained in the country and continued to vote illegally.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about noncitizen voting and the enforcement gaps that allow some individuals to participate in elections despite not being legally eligible. It has renewed calls for legislation like the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Sacko entered the U.S. near Miami, Florida and was ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2000. His removal was upheld on appeal in 2002, but he remained in the country and allegedly began voting illegally in federal elections starting in 2008. Sacko is accused of falsely representing himself as a U.S. citizen in order to register and vote.

  • Sacko was ordered removed from the U.S. in 2000.
  • Sacko's removal was upheld on appeal on November 14, 2002.
  • Sacko allegedly began voting illegally in federal elections in 2008.

The players

Mahady Sacko

A Mauritanian illegal immigrant living in Philadelphia who was ordered deported in 2002 but remained in the country and allegedly voted illegally in federal elections since 2008.

U.S. Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

The office that charged Sacko with fraudulent voting.

Department of Homeland Security

The agency that announced Sacko's arrest.

Sen. Dave McCormick

A Republican senator from Pennsylvania who praised the U.S. Attorney's Office for pursuing Sacko's case and voiced support for the SAVE America Act.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who has dismissed the SAVE America Act as "Jim Crow 2.0".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary (Department of Homeland Security)

“I, as President, will not sign other Bills until this is passed, AND NOT THE WATERED DOWN VERSION – GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY – ILLNESS, DISABILITY, TRAVEL: NO MEN IN WOMEN'S SPORTS: NO TRANSGENDER MUTILIZATION FOR CHILDREN! DO NOT FAIL!!!”

— Donald J. Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mahady Sacko out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in securing elections and preventing noncitizen voting, even in the face of clear legal rulings and deportation orders. It has reignited the debate over legislation like the SAVE America Act, which aims to require proof of citizenship to register and vote in federal elections.