The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that federal authorities have charged 28 individuals with illegally participating in federal elections while not being U.S. citizens. According to the department’s official statement, the charges stem from criminal complaints filed in California. As of the announcement, federal agents have successfully arrested 11 of the 28 defendants.

The DOJ’s action highlights ongoing federal efforts to enforce laws prohibiting noncitizens from voting in federal elections. While the department confirmed the number of individuals charged and the nature of the alleged crimes, the specific details regarding the timeline of these actions or the specific jurisdictions in California where the voting occurred were not immediately detailed in the initial press release. The department characterized these actions as part of a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Because only one primary source was provided for this report, there are no conflicting accounts regarding the facts of the arrests or the charges filed. The information currently available relies entirely on the DOJ’s own summary of the enforcement action. Further details regarding the legal defense of the accused or specific evidence supporting the charges have not yet been made public, as the cases are currently moving through the federal court system.