Indian Man Arrested in US for Allegedly Voting Illegally

An Indian national has been arrested in the United States for allegedly falsely claiming American citizenship and voting in the 2024 presidential election. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The accused, identified as Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, allegedly voted in Minnesota during the November 5, 2024, general election despite not being a US citizen. He faces federal charges related to providing false information and misrepresenting his citizenship status.

According to the US Department of Justice, Chaudhari signed a voter signature certificate required under Minnesota law. The document required him to declare that he was an American citizen, although prosecutors allege that he was not eligible to vote.

A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Chaudhari on September 10, 2026, on two counts. These include knowingly providing false information while voting and falsely claiming US citizenship to register or cast a vote.

Following the investigation, officials from Homeland Security Investigations, a division of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arrested Chaudhari. The case has drawn attention amid increased scrutiny of voter eligibility ahead of the US midterm elections.

If convicted, Chaudhari could face a maximum prison sentence of five years on each count, potentially totalling ten years. However, the actual sentence, if any, will be determined by a federal judge based on the applicable legal guidelines.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that foreign nationals found illegally voting in American elections could face criminal prosecution and deportation. He said the Trump administration would continue taking action against violations of US election laws.

Officials said Homeland Security Investigations would continue working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate suspected violations and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

The case follows broader federal investigations into alleged voting violations in Minnesota. In September 2026, US authorities announced separate indictments against ten foreign nationals accused of election-related offences.

Chaudhari has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain subject to judicial proceedings. Under US law, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.