Mauritanian National Charged in Philadelphia for Allegedly Voting in Every Presidential Election Since 2008
Key Takeaways
- A Mauritanian national living in the U.S. without legal status has been charged in Philadelphia with voter fraud, allegedly casting ballots in multiple federal elections since 2008.
- Court documents reportedly show he registered to vote in 2005 after affirming—on paper forms—that he was a U.S. citizen.
- The defendant has had a final removal order since 2002 and has been under ICE supervision due to difficulties obtaining travel documents.
- The case surfaces amid debate over the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register and vote in federal elections.
- Noncitizen voting in federal elections is illegal under federal law; false claims to U.S. citizenship can carry severe immigration consequences under the INA.
Allegations and Charges
Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia have charged Mahady Sacko, a 50-year-old citizen of Mauritania, with voter fraud, it has been reported. According to a federal criminal complaint cited by Fox News, Sacko allegedly registered to vote in 2005 and affirmed that he was a U.S. citizen on multiple voter registration forms. Voting records obtained via subpoena from Philadelphia election officials and the Pennsylvania Department of State purportedly show he cast ballots in the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 general elections, and in the 2016 and 2020 primaries—mostly in person, with one mail ballot in the 2020 primary. The allegations remain unproven, and Sacko is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Under federal law, noncitizens are barred from voting in federal elections (18 U.S.C. § 611). Knowingly providing false information to register or vote can also trigger federal criminal liability (including under 52 U.S.C. § 20511). Beyond criminal exposure, immigration law treats false claims to U.S. citizenship as especially serious: they can render a person inadmissible and removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), often without waivers. DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the case underscores the need for Congress to act on election integrity legislation, while noting, “Our elections belong to American citizens.”
Immigration History and Supervision
Sacko allegedly entered the U.S. in 1998 and was ordered removed by an immigration judge in 2000; the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed his appeal in 2002. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2007 but was not deported because, according to prosecutors, ICE could not obtain a Mauritanian passport for him. He was then placed on ICE supervision—a status that requires regular check-ins with the agency while a final removal order remains outstanding.
For immigrants and visa holders, this history illustrates two key realities: a final removal order remains legally enforceable even if physical removal is delayed, and individuals under supervision must comply with reporting requirements while DHS continues efforts to secure travel documents.
Policy Context and What It Means Now
The charges come as Congress debates the SAVE America Act, a proposal backed by Republicans that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register and valid ID to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue the bill would bolster election integrity; many Democrats counter that stricter documentation rules would disenfranchise eligible voters who face barriers to obtaining IDs or records. Regardless of legislative outcomes, current law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and Pennsylvania requires applicants to affirm U.S. citizenship to register.
For noncitizens—including green card holders—the takeaway is clear: do not register or vote in federal or state elections unless and until you are a U.S. citizen. Even an inadvertent false claim to citizenship can trigger criminal charges and permanent immigration bars. Anyone who believes they may have registered or voted in error should seek advice from an experienced immigration attorney before interacting with election or immigration authorities.
Source: Original Article