Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Wednesday that a federal grand jury has indicted ten lawful permanent residents for allegedly committing voter fraud in Minnesota. The defendants, who hail from Liberia, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Bosnia, Germany, Ghana and Lithuania, are accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register and vote in the 2022 and 2024 general elections, as well as the August 2026 primary.
Charges and alleged conduct
According to court records, the ten individuals submitted false statements to election officials, asserting they were U.S. citizens. Seven of the defendants are charged with illegal voting, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The remaining three, including 61‑year‑old Bhator Konah Bryant of Liberia, face a felony charge for falsely claiming citizenship, which carries a potential five‑year prison term and a $250,000 fine.
Justice Department’s response
Blanche stressed that voter fraud erodes public confidence in the electoral system and that the Department of Justice must act decisively to restore trust. “The most basic way the Department of Justice can accomplish this restoration of trust is by working to make sure the only people voting in an election in the United States are American citizens who are eligible to vote,” he said at a press conference.
Blanche also criticized the media for downplaying the department’s efforts, stating, “I don’t know what the number is that will work for you guys. Whether it’s 106, maybe it’s 120. At some point it has to become meaningful to the media.” He noted that since President Donald Trump returned to office, the Justice Department has charged more than 90 individuals with voter fraud, including 50 illegal immigrants in the past five weeks.
Broader enforcement context
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin reported 10 voter‑fraud related convictions nationwide and indicated that more than 1,600 active investigations are underway. While the Supreme Court recently allowed states to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database for voter‑eligibility checks, the ruling is expected to have limited immediate impact because federal law restricts systematic voter‑roll purges within 90 days of a federal election.
Judicial misconduct complaint
During the same briefing, Blanche announced a judicial misconduct complaint filed with the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals against several Minnesota federal judges who spoke to The New York Times about pending cases. The complaint alleges bias and a violation of judicial canons. Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, defended his comments, citing advisory opinions that permit judges to discuss core judicial matters such as the rule of law and judicial independence.
Blanche urged the Eighth Circuit to investigate and asked the judges to recuse themselves from any Department of Homeland Security cases, citing the perceived bias demonstrated in the Times interview.
Implications for Minnesota voters
The indictments underscore the Justice Department’s focus on safeguarding election integrity in Minnesota and across the nation. By pursuing both criminal and civil avenues, the administration aims to deter non‑citizens from attempting to influence elections and to reassure voters that the electoral process remains fair and lawful.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
