Two Ukrainian nationals have been taken into federal custody for allegedly casting unlawful votes during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The arrests are being cited as a milestone in the evolving efforts by federal authorities to enforce election and immigration laws more strictly.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a relatively new federal agency with expanding oversight responsibilities.
“Two Ukrainian nationals were arrested for violating federal voting laws,” said a DHS official. “This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral system and enforcing immigration laws.”
This case marks the first known instance where internal monitoring and intelligence sharing from DOGE contributed directly to identifying and apprehending individuals involved in voting-related offenses. Officials said the arrests followed a joint investigation that uncovered evidence suggesting the individuals had participated in the 2024 election despite not being eligible to vote under U.S. law.
DOGE, created by executive order on January 20, was initially formed to examine inefficiencies and reduce government waste. Its role has since expanded to include inter-agency cooperation in areas such as immigration enforcement, administrative oversight, and compliance monitoring.
The agency’s members operate across multiple departments, reviewing government expenditures, technology contracts, and procedural compliance in programs ranging from public health to data security. More recently, DOGE has supported initiatives that aim to enhance the transparency and accountability of various government processes.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized that the arrests demonstrate the value of stronger cross-agency data sharing and more comprehensive oversight structures. “The case is an example of what can be achieved when agencies coordinate effectively and act promptly on credible information,” the spokesperson said.
While federal law prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, such violations are relatively rare. However, government officials have stressed the importance of maintaining robust checks to prevent unlawful voting and to reassure the public that the electoral system is secure and fair.
According to ICE, both individuals are now being held pending further legal proceedings, which may include deportation or other immigration-related actions. The Department of Justice is expected to determine whether criminal charges will also be pursued.
In recent months, the federal government has made election oversight and immigration enforcement top priorities. Data from DHS indicates that over 130,000 individuals have been deported since January, and several new enforcement protocols have been enacted to address unlawful residency and other violations.
Among those policies is the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in specific national security cases. This historical legal mechanism allows for expedited removal under certain conditions, though it has been used sparingly and remains subject to legal review.
DOGE has also made headlines for its expanded review of government spending and transparency practices. The agency has taken on a growing role in auditing federal contracts, assessing the allocation of public funds, and reviewing the flow of resources through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other intermediaries.
In a recent public forum, DOGE representatives expressed concerns about financial oversight, particularly regarding how federal funds are sometimes transferred through multiple layers of organizations, complicating accountability efforts.
While some critics have questioned the agency’s rapidly growing influence, others argue that it fills an important role in ensuring that public resources are used appropriately and that laws are enforced consistently across all sectors of government.
Observers say that the federal response to this latest voting case may signal a broader trend of tightening enforcement in areas historically viewed as difficult to monitor, including voting eligibility, immigration status, and federal spending efficiency.
As the case against the two Ukrainian nationals proceeds, government officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting the integrity of both U.S. elections and immigration systems. “Ensuring compliance with our laws is not only about penalties,” one DHS official noted. “It’s also about building trust in the processes that keep our country secure and democratic.”
The outcome of the ongoing investigation will likely be watched closely by legal experts, civic groups, and policymakers as it unfolds in the coming weeks.