DOJ says California officials who process ballots from suspected noncitizens risk prosecution

The DOJ is escalating tensions with California before the midterm election, warning local officials that processing ballots from suspected noncitizens could lead to criminal investigations and prosecution. President Donald Trump has reinforced this stance via Truth Social, vowing severe punishment for officials who intentionally count ballots cast by alleged noncitizens. Trump explicitly stated that those involved will face long periods of jail time, signaling a strict federal approach to election integrity in the state.