On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) warned the Donald Trump administration that federal agents who interfere with the state’s elections could face felony prosecution.
Newsom Warns Trump Administration Over Election Interference
Newsom shared a video from an interview with The Parnas Perspective on X, responding to a question about his earlier warnings to Trump’s federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.
Asked whether he was serious about tracking down and prosecuting agents who unlawfully show up at polling places, Newsom said California had amended its laws to criminalize seizing ballots and voting machines.
“Donald Trump can’t pardon them because this will be prosecutions under state law,” Newsom said, adding that California would pursue such cases “to the full extent of the law.”
Newsom also said California had allocated an additional $40 million to help election offices speed up ballot counting and ensure adequate staffing.
He expressed concern about potential federal intervention, including the possible deployment of the National Guard and federal personnel at election-related locations.
ICE Warns Against Illegal Voting As Election Tensions Rise
Newsom’s remarks followed an Election Day warning from ICE, which threatened prosecution for anyone who votes illegally.
“If you vote illegally, we will find you,” the agency wrote on X. “We will track you down, arrest you, and prosecute you. There will be no escape.”
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also warned that the department would pursue individuals who vote despite being ineligible.
Federal law generally prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, although some local jurisdictions permit them to participate in certain municipal contests.
Supreme Court Rejected Trump’s Bid to Block California Ballots
The confrontation follows Monday’s Supreme Court decision rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to block California from counting more than 20,000 disputed mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
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