Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a criminal investigation into more than 100 individuals suspected of being noncitizens who allegedly cast illegal ballots in recent election cycles. According to Paxton’s office, at least 200 ballots were involved, primarily during the 2020 and 2022 elections.
The bulk of the alleged illegal voting occurred in Harris County, with additional investigations underway in Guadalupe, Cameron, and Eastland counties. The probe is based on data provided by the Texas Secretary of State and cross-referenced with federal immigration records.
“Illegal aliens and foreign nationals must not be allowed to influence Texas elections by casting illegal ballots with impunity,” Paxton said in a statement “I will not allow it to continue.”
Access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database was a key factor in identifying the individuals.
Access was granted through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order directed the Department of Homeland Security to share the immigration database with states. Its purpose was to support state efforts to protect election integrity.
“Thanks to President Trump’s decisive action to help states safeguard the ballot box, this investigation will help Texas hold noncitizens accountable for unlawfully voting in American elections,” Paxton added. “If you’re a noncitizen who illegally cast a ballot, you will face the full force of the law.”
In addition to the current investigation, Ken Paxton’s office announced in June that it is examining 33 other potential noncitizens who allegedly voted in the 2024 general election.
The action has garnered support from Texas Republican lawmakers. Rep. Troy Nehls (R) praised the attorney general’s efforts in a post on X.
“Great work! We must do everything we can to protect the integrity of our elections,” he said.
The investigation comes amid broader efforts in Texas to enforce voter eligibility laws. In 2024, Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced a major update to Texas voter registration records. The update removed over 1.1 million names from the state’s voter rolls. The effort was part of a broader initiative to enhance election integrity across the state.
Texas law requires that only U.S. citizens may vote in state elections, and officials say the latest probe underscores the seriousness with which the state approaches election integrity.
