The Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Donald Trump sent letters to election officials in Michigan, Nevada, and Utah, warning them of potential criminal prosecution if they fail to prove compliance with federal voter eligibility laws.The letters, described as 'love letters' by Republican Utah Lt.Gov.Deidre Henderson, demand that states demonstrate how they will ensure noncitizens are not included on voter rolls.

Henderson criticized the DOJ's actions as 'truly bizarre,' arguing that the agency is overstepping its role and targeting officials who follow state and federal laws.

The move comes amid Trump's broader election agenda ahead of the 2026 midterms, with his allies pushing for restrictions on noncitizen voting despite lacking evidence of widespread fraud.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that election officers could face criminal liability if they knowingly retain noncitizens on voter rolls or allow them to cast ballots.

However, multiple courts have already ruled that the DOJ's requests for private voter data are illegal, prompting officials to reject the demands as unconstitutional overreach.