Illegal Immigrant Charged for Alleged Voting in Every Presidential Election Since 2008

Mauritanian man accused of voter fraud in Philadelphia dating back to 2008

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 50-year-old Mauritanian citizen named Mahady Sacko has been charged with voter fraud in Philadelphia for allegedly voting illegally in every federal election since 2008, despite being ordered to be removed from the U.S. in 2000. Sacko entered the U.S. in 1998 and was placed on supervision by ICE in 2007 after an earlier arrest, but did not leave the country as ordered.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about election integrity and the debate around voter ID laws, with Republicans pushing for stricter requirements like proof of citizenship to vote, while Democrats argue such laws could disenfranchise vulnerable populations. The alleged actions of Sacko, an illegal immigrant, voting in multiple elections raises questions about the security of the electoral process.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Sacko registered to vote in 2005 and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen on multiple occasions. Voting records show he cast ballots in the general elections of 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024, as well as the 2016 and 2020 primaries, often voting in person except for the 2020 primary when he voted by mail.

  • Sacko entered the U.S. in March 1998 in Miami.
  • Sacko was ordered to be removed from the country by an immigration judge in 2000.
  • Sacko's appeal was dismissed and the removal order affirmed on November 14, 2002.
  • Sacko was arrested by ICE in 2007 but not deported due to lack of a Mauritanian passport.
  • Voting records were obtained via subpoena in May 2025.

The players

Mahady Sacko

A 50-year-old Mauritanian citizen who has been charged with voter fraud in Philadelphia for allegedly voting illegally in every federal election since 2008, despite being ordered to be removed from the U.S. in 2000.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that announced the charges against Sacko and called for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act to secure elections.

Lauren Bis

DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary who stated that "Illegal aliens should NOT be electing American leaders" and called for the SAVE America Act to be passed.

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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. The Senate must pass the SAVE America Act.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary

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 debate around election integrity and voter ID laws, with Republicans pushing for stricter requirements like proof of citizenship to vote, while Democrats argue such laws could disenfranchise vulnerable populations. The alleged actions of Sacko, an illegal immigrant, voting in multiple elections raises serious questions about the security of the electoral process.