The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed election officials in California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania of a significant finding. A preliminary review suggests over 256,000 noncitizens may be registered to vote across these states. This information was revealed in letters obtained by Fox News Digital.
In letters dated Friday, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin addressed the state officials. He stated that the department compared voter registration records with federal immigration data, uncovering thousands of potential matches. Mullin urged state election officials to collaborate with DHS to verify identities before taking any action.
DHS estimates indicate that about 190,832 noncitizens might be registered in California. In New Jersey, this number is 35,152, followed by 15,903 in Nevada and 14,576 in Pennsylvania. The department detailed that 81,336 California registrants, 19,497 New Jersey registrants, 8,576 Nevada registrants, and 8,594 Pennsylvania registrants matched noncitizen identifiers in DHS records, such as names, birthdates, addresses, and Social Security numbers.
A photo depicts individuals completing ballots at a polling location. [Credit: REBECCA DROKE/AFP via Getty Images]
Many noncitizens legally receive Social Security numbers. This group includes lawful permanent residents, authorized workers in the U.S., and certain visa holders. DHS used these numbers as one identifier among several to match voter records with immigration records.
The findings described in the letters represent a preliminary review. Secretary Mullin emphasized collaboration for identity verification as the most efficient way to ensure accuracy. DHS expressed readiness to provide immigration records under federal law to assist states in determining voter roll eligibility.
Mullin stressed the importance of allowing only U.S. citizens to vote in federal elections to protect integrity. He noted that each noncitizen vote cancels the vote of a U.S. citizen. Since states manage voter registration, while the federal government maintains immigration records, cooperation is crucial.
A photo shows a voter casting a ballot at a polling location. [Credit: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
The letters requested that secretaries of state contact DHS by July 24. This would enable sharing records and assisting in verification before future federal elections.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, New Jersey Secretary of State Dale Caldwell, and Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar have not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
These letters are part of continued efforts by the Trump administration to enhance collaboration between states and federal agencies on election security and voter eligibility. The administration argues that access to federal immigration records aids in maintaining accurate voter rolls.
Preston Mizell, a Fox News Digital writer, contributed to this report on breaking news.
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