The U.S. Department of Justice has filed criminal charges against two immigrants in Pennsylvania, accusing them of election fraud-related offenses, such as illegal voting and fraudulent voter registration.
Among those charged, two are undocumented immigrants while the other two hold legal permanent residency.
The investigations were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and were announced by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This comes as part of a broader electoral integrity initiative spearheaded by the Trump administration leading up to the midterm elections on November 3, 2026.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Cliff Sanon, a 39-year-old Haitian immigrant residing in Philadelphia without legal status, faces the most severe charges. Allegedly, he submitted a fraudulent voter registration application in February 2026, ahead of the May primaries, and participated in the November 2022 elections. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Dilea Ochoa-Perez, a 43-year-old Mexican immigrant living illegally in Coatesville, was charged with voting as a foreign national in the November 2022 and November 2024 general elections in Chester County. She could receive a maximum penalty of two years in prison and fines amounting to $200,000.
Legal Residents and Additional Cases
The other two individuals charged are legal permanent residents. Sade Guppy, a 37-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago, allegedly voted illegally in Philadelphia County in November 2022. Eduardo Gallardo Maldonado, a 66-year-old Mexican national, faces similar charges for voting in November 2024 in the same county. Both could face up to one year in prison and fines of $100,000 each.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized the seriousness of the charges by stating, "The sovereignty of our nation belongs to the American people and no one else. Anyone, including illegal immigrants, who votes unlawfully in our elections will be prosecuted for corrupting our democracy."
Nathan Abel, the special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia, warned, "Every illegal vote can undermine confidence in the electoral process and diminish the voice of American citizens."
Federal Actions and Historical Context
This announcement is part of a series of federal actions in September 2026. On the 18th, the DOJ filed charges against 16 individuals for illegal voting and election fraud schemes across multiple states, and on the 14th, they charged six individuals in California, Kansas, and Louisiana.
According to Reuters, the Trump administration has charged around 20 individuals in September alone under the federal statute prohibiting foreign nationals from voting, representing 13% of all such charges in three decades.
This is not the first instance where immigrants have faced criminal consequences for such offenses. In June 2026, Cuban national Roberto Figueredo pled guilty to registering and voting illegally in a federal election in Florida. Earlier in the year, a Cuban woman was sentenced in Arkansas to five years in prison for perjury and violating electoral eligibility laws.
The DOJ clarified that the charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Understanding Election Fraud Allegations
What are the potential penalties for illegal voting in the U.S.?
Penalties for illegal voting can include imprisonment, hefty fines, and legal repercussions depending on the severity of the offense and the individual's immigration status.
How does illegal voting affect the electoral process?
Illegal voting can undermine the integrity of the electoral process, diminish public trust, and potentially alter election outcomes by diluting the legitimate votes of citizens.
What actions are being taken to prevent election fraud?
Federal and state authorities are increasing their efforts to monitor and prosecute election fraud through enhanced investigations, legal actions, and public awareness campaigns.