On Wednesday, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI Miami) agents apprehended two foreign nationals, one of whom is of Cuban descent and the other from Turks and Caicos, on charges of alleged election fraud in Florida. HSI Miami made the announcement on their social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration in executing the operation.
This arrest was the result of a combined effort involving several federal and state agencies, including the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Florida Department of State – Office of Election Crimes, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Awaiting Further Details
As of now, the authorities have not disclosed the names of those detained or the specific details of the case. However, an official statement is expected soon, providing more information about the nature of the fraud and the charges they face.
Just a day prior, HSI Miami arrested a Haitian citizen accused of illegal voting and submitting a fraudulent ballot. This individual had a prior conviction for drug trafficking and violation of firearms laws, for which he was sentenced to a decade in prison.
Increased Scrutiny on Election Crimes
These arrests are part of a broader effort to intensify scrutiny on election-related crimes in the United States, particularly in states like Florida. Authorities have enhanced oversight mechanisms following the establishment of special offices dedicated to combating these unlawful practices.
History Repeats Itself
Back in 2020, Eloy Alberto Zayas-Berrier, a 70-year-old Cuban, faced charges of election fraud in North Carolina for illegally voting in the 2016 presidential elections. Zayas-Berrier was charged with "falsely claiming U.S. citizenship or making false statements on voter registration applications, and misdemeanor charges for casting illegal votes in the 2016 presidential elections."
Understanding Election Fraud in Florida
What agencies were involved in the arrest?
The operation involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI Miami), the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Florida Department of State – Office of Election Crimes, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Why are election crimes receiving more attention in Florida?
There is increased scrutiny on election crimes due to the establishment of special offices aimed at countering these illegal activities, enhancing oversight and enforcement in states like Florida.
Who was Eloy Alberto Zayas-Berrier and what was he charged with?
Eloy Alberto Zayas-Berrier was a Cuban national charged in 2020 with election fraud in North Carolina for illegally voting in the 2016 presidential elections. He faced charges for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, making false statements on voter registration applications, and casting illegal votes.