DOJ Sues California After Flagging 20,000 ‘Likely Noncitizens’ Registered to Vote

Central District of California First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington on Nov. 19, 2025. (Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times)

By Jill McLaughlin

Jill McLaughlin

Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.

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October 15, 2026Updated: October 15, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against California Oct. 15 over its voter list after finding more than 20,000 “likely noncitizens” registered to vote in the state, prosecutors announced.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Los Angeles said the DOJ gave the state 48 hours to review the names of the suspected noncitizens registered to vote who were mailed live ballots and determine whether citizens were on the list.

“California refused,” Essayli posted on X.

The DOJ asked the court for an emergency order requiring California to sequester ballots returned by the suspected noncitizens and verify their citizenship status, Essayli said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the lawsuit is unfounded and represents an attempt by President Donald Trump to disenfranchise voters.

“This is a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day,” Newsom said in a statement.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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