Justice Department urges sanctions for database analysis critical of its noncitizen voting claims

The Justice Department defended the accuracy of a list alleging more than 20,000 suspected noncitizens registered to vote in California, and urged a federal judge to consider contempt charges against an immigrant rights group. On Friday, Judge James Boasberg permitted the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights to access federal government data on the 20,000 individuals, instructing them not to disclose any names or use the data for their arguments.

The group's analysis revealed that 40% of the people on the list were not registered to vote in California and identified 22 individuals who were likely naturalized U.S. citizens. The Justice Department argued that the group's analysis had no bearing on their legal standing, violating the judge's order. The group's lawyers responded, stating that their counsel and experts had complied with the court's orders.

The Justice Department also appealed a judge's decision barring them from removing noncitizens from voter rolls or threatening legal action, noting that the ruling came before they could present their initial arguments. This case is part of the Trump administration's ongoing battle over its lists of alleged noncitizen voters.