Two foreign nationals who illegally cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election are now in federal custody, following a major lead from one of the Trump administration’s newest and most aggressive initiatives.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Tuesday that, in partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), two Ukrainian nationals were arrested for unlawfully voting in last year’s election. The arrests are being hailed as a victory for DOGE, the agency created by President Trump to slash government waste—and now, to enforce immigration and election laws.
“In partnership with @DOGE, @ICEgov arrested two Ukrainian nationals for illegally VOTING in the 2024 election,” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on X. “Under President Donald Trump, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will face the consequences.”
DOGE, formed by executive order on January 20, was born out of conversations between President Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. While its original mission centered on cutting federal spending and dismantling bureaucracy, the agency has expanded its reach into areas of federal oversight. Its members, placed in key roles across multiple departments, have been empowered to cancel contracts for scientific research, climate programs, and DEI initiatives—and, more recently, to assist with immigration crackdowns.
Tuesday’s arrests are the first publicly known case where DOGE’s internal information networks directly led to law enforcement action regarding voter fraud.
President Trump has made election integrity a centerpiece of his second term, repeatedly vowing to hold foreign nationals accountable if they interfere with America’s democratic process. The Biden administration’s handling of election security had long been a target of criticism from Trump and Republican allies, who accused Democrats of turning a blind eye to vulnerabilities.
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has wasted no time delivering on his promises to secure the border, overhaul government inefficiency, and protect election integrity—moves that have stirred strong reactions across the political spectrum.
One of Trump’s signature priorities has been restoring law and order at the southern border. Since January, his administration has deported roughly 139,000 individuals, signaling a sharp return to stricter immigration enforcement. Federal agents, sometimes with the assistance of military personnel, have been deployed to sanctuary cities that resist cooperation with immigration authorities. A new executive order now publicly identifies local officials who obstruct federal immigration efforts, increasing transparency and pressure on these jurisdictions.
The administration has also invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to speed up deportations in cases involving national security concerns, including deportations of Venezuelan migrants.
This is a developing story…
