Illegal Immigrant Charged with Voting Fraud in Five U.S. Presidential Elections

The case exposes ongoing election security issues, according to officials.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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An illegal immigrant from Mauritania was charged with fraudulent voting after allegedly casting ballots in Pennsylvania in the last five presidential elections, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen in order to vote. The FBI investigation found the individual, Mahady Sacko, had been ordered deported from the U.S. in 2000 but continued to unlawfully vote in federal elections through 2020.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and the potential for non-citizens to participate in U.S. elections, which could undermine the democratic process. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of voter verification measures and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent voter fraud.

The details

Sacko, a 50-year-old Philadelphia resident, was charged with fraudulent voting for allegedly voting in person in the 2024 general election and falsely representing that he was a U.S. citizen in order to register and vote. Pennsylvania state voting records also showed he had voted in the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections, despite not being a U.S. citizen.

  • Sacko was ordered to be deported from the U.S. in 2000.
  • Sacko allegedly voted in the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections.

The players

Mahady Sacko

A 50-year-old illegal immigrant from Mauritania who was charged with fraudulent voting for allegedly casting ballots in the last five U.S. presidential elections while falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that investigated the case and uncovered Sacko's alleged voter fraud.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI and our partners arrested an individual illegally in the U.S., charged with voting in the last 5 presidential elections - each time falsely claiming he was a U.S. citizen to vote”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Sacko to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the integrity of U.S. elections and the need for robust voter verification measures to prevent non-citizens from participating in the democratic process. It also underscores the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in the electoral system to maintain public trust and confidence.