Belize-Born Man Among Green Card Holders Charged in California Voting Sweep

A 72-year-old Belize-born man is among 28 people arrested in California on voting-related charges in a federal sweep announced Monday by the U.S. Justice Department.

The man, Omar Alexander Muñoz, was arrested at his home in Commerce, a small city in Los Angeles County. The New York Times reports he is charged with making false statements in a naturalisation application and fraudulent voter registration. According to a criminal complaint cited by the Times, he is not a U.S. citizen and voted in the 2020, 2022 and 2024 general elections. The Associated Press reports he is accused of voting illegally in four elections.

Muñoz is a legal permanent resident, according to his wife. He has not been convicted, and the charges are allegations.

The AP reports that dozens of federal agents arrived at his cul-de-sac before dawn and that Muñoz was handcuffed in his pyjamas and taken into federal custody downtown.

His wife, Esmeralda Muñoz, 70, told the AP that the family was furious that agents arrived in full tactical gear with guns drawn. “It’s a show for them,” she said, calling it a “shame” that officials arrived with camera crews and news helicopters. She said she and the couple’s three children and 10 grandchildren are all U.S. citizens, and that the family did not realise he was registered to vote. She said that when they talk about politics, her husband has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department said all 28 people charged are lawful permanent residents and that 11 had been arrested by Monday. Officials said 21 of the 28 cast illegal votes in past U.S. elections. The charges include false statements on naturalisation applications and fraudulent voter registrations; in a sweep, the department dubbed Operation Protect the Vote.