Trump’s Voter Raids Have Begun

Federal authorities have initiated raids targeting individuals in California accused of fraudulent voter registration, according to <source 62958085-b86>. The operation, known as "Operation Protect the Vote," is set to precede the midterm elections and represents a shift in the administration's approach to alleged voter fraud. On Monday, 11 people were arrested and charged with 28 counts related to registering as noncitizens to vote.

Charges allege that these individuals attempted to cast illegal and fraudulent ballots in U.S. elections. The Justice Department claims that all 11 of those arrested are legal permanent residents but not citizens. The administration has sent an unverified list of 20,000 individuals it deems "likely noncitizens" to election officials in Los Angeles County, who have 48 hours to review the list and withhold ballots or face legal consequences.

While election officials have rejected the request, the Justice Department has filed a lawsuit to prevent California from counting ballots from the 20,000 individuals on the list. The administration asserts that noncitizen voting in federal elections is a federal crime and that knowingly facilitating such conduct is equally unlawful.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the agency will utilize every legal resource available to prosecute those who violate election laws and safeguard every American citizen's constitutional right to vote. The administration's voter suppression tactics, though not confined to California, could have a broader impact on the upcoming election as millions of ballots are already in circulation.