A permanent resident from Australia was arrested in New Orleans after federal prosecutors say she falsely claimed U.S. citizenship to register and then voted in two federal elections, and now faces criminal charges, potential prison time, fines, supervised release and immigration consequences.
Authorities say Denise Nataly Migliore, 51, is charged in a four-count indictment that accuses her of making false statements to register to vote and of illegal voting in a federal election. Prosecutors allege she falsely represented herself as a U.S. citizen when completing voter registration in October 2022 and again in October 2024, then cast ballots in November of each year.
bDHS DIRECTS ICE TO DEPORT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO VOTE IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS UNDER NEW DIRECTIVE/b
The indictment centers on the claim that she knowingly certified she was eligible to vote and then participated in federal elections while ineligible due to her noncitizen status. That alleged misconduct turned routine voter processing into a federal investigation that ultimately involved Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On July 1, federal agents arrested Migliore at the federal courthouse in New Orleans after HSI and ICE investigators built their case. The arrest came after the agency completed its probe into how the alleged false statements were made and how the ballots were cast. This kind of enforcement action is what the Justice Department and DHS point to when they say the law matters and will be enforced.
“This alien from Australia now faces federal charges for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and illegally casting ballots in two elections,” acting Assistant DHS Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis said in a statement. “Her arrest and charges are the result of the hard work of the men and women of ICE law enforcement and our federal partners.
“Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: We will find you, arrest you and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation. Only Americans should be electing American leaders.”
bNONCITIZEN EX-KANSAS MAYOR PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY VOTING MULTIPLE TIMES/b
If convicted on the counts alleged in the indictment, Migliore faces statutory penalties that include a maximum of five years behind bars and up to three years of supervised release afterwards. The charges also expose her to financial penalties: a fine that could reach $250,000 plus a mandatory special assessment fee. Beyond criminal punishment, this case carries immigration consequences that could include removal proceedings.
The case is being presented in the Eastern District of Louisiana, where federal prosecutors will lay out the evidence and the defense will have an opportunity to respond in court. Prosecutors will need to prove the elements of the federal offenses, including the intent to falsely claim citizenship and the act of voting in a federal election. From a prosecutorial standpoint, the factual record around registration forms and voting logs is what will determine the outcome.
This arrest underscores a hardline approach favored by many who want strict enforcement of voting and immigration laws, and it reflects a clear message: noncitizens who participate in the electoral process risk severe penalties. The Republican view emphasizes that elections must be decided only by eligible voters and that breaking those rules undermines public trust. For local officials and federal agencies, this case is a reminder to keep voter rolls accurate and to follow the law without exception.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.