Federal agents arrested ten foreign nationals in North Carolina on October 14 and 15, charging them with illegally voting in federal elections over the past two decades, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Nine of those arrested are green card holders; one is an illegal alien.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying those charged “knowingly violated our laws” and “will have to answer for violating the sacred right of Americans to elect their own leadership.”
The cases span a wide range of dates and circumstances. Some defendants are accused of a single unlawful vote; others are charged with illegally voting in as many as eight general elections over several decades.
Who Was Arrested
Edduard Omar Majano-Sosa, an illegal alien from El Salvador, is charged with falsely claiming citizenship to register and vote in the 2024 general election. He entered the United States near El Paso, Texas, in July 2022 and was released into the country under the Biden administration. He was arrested October 15 and also faces a charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm after a pistol was found in his vehicle.
Karl Paul Fout, a German national lawfully admitted to the U.S. in February 1960, is accused of illegally voting in seven general elections between 2008 and 2024. His record includes prior convictions for possession of marijuana and cocaine with intent to sell and deliver, and possession of cocaine. He was arrested by HSI in Cary on October 15.
Lawton Caswell Broomfield E McKenzie, a Jamaican national admitted to the U.S. in November 1986, is charged with illegally voting in three general elections between 2012 and 2024. He has prior convictions tied to controlled substances and an arrest record that includes disorderly conduct, battery, trespassing, communicating threats, assault and driving while impaired.
Lionel Paul, a Haitian national who became a lawful permanent resident in October 2018, is accused of voting illegally in the 2024 general election. He has prior arrests for fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle and assault.
James Edward Herrmann, a German national admitted in December 1983, is charged with illegally voting in two elections between 2018 and 2024 and has a prior larceny conviction.
Ramona Abreu-Exia, a German national admitted in October 1977, faces charges connected to eight general elections from 2004 to 2024 and the 2008 primary.
Mervin Sylvester Bogle, a Jamaican national admitted in February 1981, is accused of illegally voting in three general elections between 2008 and 2024.
Robert Harold Corbett, a Canadian national admitted in December 1963, is charged with illegally voting in six elections between 1998 and 2024.
Ludgardys Olena Matthews, a Panamanian national admitted in October 1986 who was granted lawful permanent resident status in September 2015 under the Obama administration, is accused of voting illegally in three general elections between 2018 and 2024 and the 2020 primary.
Gjina Gojcaj McDonald, a Montenegrin national admitted in February 1969, faces charges tied to seven general elections from 2008 to 2024, plus a 2012 primary and a 2019 special election.
Acting ICE Director David Venturella said the arrests send a message that “election laws are not optional, and those who violate them will be held accountable.”
Part of a Broader Push
The North Carolina arrests follow a similar case in Minnesota, where ICE agents last week arrested Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, a foreign national charged with falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in the 2024 election.
Mullin framed the enforcement effort as a warning to noncitizens. “If you illegally vote, we will arrest you, and you will be charged,” he said. “Only American citizens should be electing American leaders.”
