Key facts
- California leaders rebuked the Trump administration's efforts to identify alleged noncitizen voters.
- Federal prosecutors requested election officials verify a list of about 20,000 suspected noncitizens within 48 hours.
- California officials expressed concern the directive could disenfranchise citizens.
- Los Angeles officials stated a high percentage of individuals on the list were born in the U.S.
- California's governor called the probe a "clown show" and alleged errors in the list.
- Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the provided list lacked evidence for ineligibility claims.
California's top leaders have rebuked the Trump administration's efforts to identify alleged noncitizen voters, expressing concerns that the directive could disenfranchise citizens. Federal prosecutors had requested that California election officials verify a list of approximately 20,000 suspected noncitizens within 48 hours, less than two weeks before the midterms. Los Angeles officials noted that a "high percentage" of individuals on the list were born in the United States. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the probe on social media, calling it a "clown show" and alleging errors in the list. Attorney General Rob Bonta questioned the evidence provided, stating the list lacked reasons for purported ineligibility. The Justice Department defended its actions, citing a need for election security and noting the recent charging of 28 foreign nationals for fraudulent registration.