Trump-Supporting Mayor Faces Deportation Threat for Illegal Voting

Joe Ceballos, mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, admits to voting illegally in U.S. elections despite having a green card.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Joe Ceballos, the recently elected mayor of Coldwater, Kansas, is facing deportation after being charged with six felonies for allegedly voting illegally in U.S. elections. Ceballos, a 55-year-old green card holder who supports many of President Trump's policies, says he was unaware that he was not legally allowed to vote.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around voter fraud and immigration enforcement, with the Trump administration amplifying the charges against Ceballos despite his status as an elected official in a small town. It raises questions about the voting rights of green card holders and the potential consequences they may face for participating in elections.

The details

Ceballos, who was recently elected mayor of Coldwater by a margin of 101 to 20, has been charged with three counts of election perjury and three counts of voting without being qualified. He says he was unaware that he was not legally allowed to vote as a green card holder and has worked as a lineman in the local public works department.

  • Ceballos was recently elected mayor of Coldwater, Kansas in 2026.
  • The Trump administration amplified the case against Ceballos in December 2025.

The players

Joe Ceballos

The 55-year-old mayor of Coldwater, Kansas who is facing deportation for allegedly voting illegally in U.S. elections despite having a green card.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration has amplified the case against Ceballos, despite Ceballos' support for many of Trump's policies.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody ever told me that I couldn't vote or register to vote. And so, as a young man, yeah, I did it. I registered.”

— Joe Ceballos, Mayor of Coldwater, Kansas (The New York Times)

“You wake up, like, 'Are they going to deport me now?' It's always in your thoughts.”

— Joe Ceballos, Mayor of Coldwater, Kansas (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Ceballos to remain free on bail as the legal proceedings continue.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex intersection of immigration, voting rights, and political allegiances, with the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal voting colliding with the reality that some green card holders may not fully understand the restrictions on their participation in U.S. elections.