Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas called a noon press conference on Tuesday to address circulating reports that the Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating voter fraud in nine states, including Connecticut. Thomas said she has not been contacted by DHS and has no concrete information beyond the CNN story that sparked the speculation.
No outreach from federal investigators
When asked whether her office had reached out to DHS, Thomas replied, “We have not.” She added that she has not yet had time to follow up with the agency and is waiting for any further notice. “Honestly, I haven’t had time yet this morning, and I assume they will reach out to us,” she said.
What the CNN report claimed
CNN cited an internal DHS document describing a “coordinated criminal voter fraud surge initiative” aimed at pursuing leads, conducting field interviews, and supporting prosecutorial review. The report suggested the investigation would focus on locating illegal immigrants who have voted in U.S. elections.
Federal agency’s public statement
An unsigned DHS spokesperson declined to confirm any active investigation but emphasized that finding illegal immigrants on voter rolls remains a priority. The spokesperson said, “While ICE Homeland Security Investigations is not able to comment on any active investigations, HSI is actively rooting out and investigating election fraud wherever it can be found. We have repeatedly demonstrated that illegal aliens can and do vote in our elections. Under President Trump, HSI is committed to restoring integrity to our election systems and ensuring that American citizens and only American citizens are electing American leaders.”
The agency claimed evidence that as many as 24,000 foreign citizens have registered to vote, though it provided details on only four prosecutions. “DHS is laser focused on prosecuting and removing aliens who vote and preventing the dilution of the votes of U.S. citizens,” the spokesperson added, warning that anyone found voting illegally will face criminal charges and deportation.
Local officials see no immediate threat
Thomas noted that no local registrar of voters has reported any federal investigators approaching them about voter‑roll issues. She stressed that, regardless of the report’s accuracy, Connecticut will hold a secure election and that state agencies have the tools to address any problems that arise.
She also referenced a recent ICE detention in West Hartford where a man was found to be a registered voter. It remains unclear whether the registration resulted from fraud or a clerical error at the Department of Motor Vehicles, which automatically registers individuals who obtain driver’s licenses after they attest to citizenship. A review by the Secretary of the State’s office confirmed the man never voted and his name has been removed from the rolls after he failed to respond to an annual canvass.
Ongoing voter‑roll maintenance
Thomas highlighted the importance of continuous voter‑roll maintenance, noting that registrars conduct annual canvasses, identify duplicate registrations, and remove individuals who have moved out of state. “One of the most important steps that happen all year are voter roll maintenance. Obviously, our registrars are following the statutes,” she said.
The Secretary concluded by reassuring Connecticut voters that the state is prepared to protect the integrity of the upcoming election, even as federal agencies continue to prioritize the removal of illegal‑immigrant voting.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
