Texas Cracks Down: Over 100 Suspected Non-Citizens in Voting Probe!

Harris County, Texas, USA - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sparked significant conversation by announcing an investigation aimed at over 100 potential non-citizens who are suspected of illegally voting in the 2020 and 2022 elections. This initiative focuses primarily on Harris County, with additional scrutiny extending to Guadalupe, Cameron, and Eastland counties. According to TampaFP, more than 200 ballots may have been cast unlawfully during these past elections. Paxton has made it clear that this issue cannot be ignored and stressed that individuals who violate voting laws will face legal consequences.

This investigation finds its roots in data collected by the Texas Secretary of State, which has recently gained access to the federal SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) database. This access was a result of executive actions taken by former President Donald Trump to enhance election integrity, a move that has arguably reshaped the landscape of voter verification in Texas. In June 2025, Paxton’s office already launched a separate inquiry into 33 suspected non-citizens based on information from this database.

Response and Implications

The response to this investigation has been varied. Critics, such as Houston attorney Cris Feldman, fear that it may undermine the integrity of Harris County elections and discourage voter participation. Feldman pointed to prior accusations of election interference related to ballot paper shortages in Republican-leaning neighborhoods, which were ultimately unsubstantiated following an extensive five-month investigation. This has raised eyebrows and questions about the motivations behind the current inquiry as it coincides with significant changes in the local electoral framework.

In the wake of the elections in which over 11.3 million Texans participated in 2020 and more than 8.1 million in 2022, Harris County has no small role to play; it currently boasts over 2.5 million registered voters. Its political leanings have trended Democratic over recent years, leading to legislative actions that saw the Harris County elections administrator’s office abolished. Control of elections has been transferred, now resting with the county clerk and tax assessor-collector as a response to previous controversies.

Looking Ahead

Tension is palpable as the Texas Legislature prepares for a special session to consider a constitutional amendment that would empower the attorney general’s office to prosecute election-related offenses. As this investigation unfolds, the implications for future elections, especially the approaching 2024 voting cycle, remain uncertain. With over 100 suspected noncitizens and more than 200 potentially illegal ballots in question, it’s evident that the integrity of the voting process is a heated topic in Texas.

As the state navigates these troubled waters, what stands out is the commitment to address potential voter fraud head-on, a commitment that could redefine electoral processes in Texas for years to come. The eyes of the nation are watching closely—will this investigation lead to meaningful reforms or simply further entrench the complexities around voting rights? The answers might just shape the future of Texas elections.

To stay informed on this developing story, keep an eye on updates from Houston Public Media and IJR, as they provide ongoing coverage and analysis of the situation in Texas.