US arrests over 2 dozen in California sweep targeting alleged non-citizen voters

Federal authorities arrested over two dozen foreign nationals on Monday in California as part of a statewide sweep targeting people who officials say have illegally registered and voted in US elections.

They also reflect a further escalation in a simmering voter roll fight between the federal government and California that came into focus last week when the Justice Department sued the state and later warned that local election workers who knowingly process or tabulate ballots submitted by non-citizen voters are at risk of investigation and potential prosecution.

The Justice Department said all those arrested as part of a sweep dubbed Operation Protect the Vote are lawful permanent residents – but not US citizens who are permitted to legally vote. They are charged with crimes including making false statements on a naturalisation application and submitting fraudulent voter registrations.