The Department of Justice issued grand jury subpoenas to election workers in Los Angeles, marking a significant escalation in tensions with state election officials over federal efforts to identify noncitizens on voter rolls. The federal legal action unfolds as the Trump administration pushes to scrutinize voter registration lists, drawing sharp pushback from local authorities and a federal judge.
DOJ Grand Jury Subpoenas Target Los Angeles Staff
Official confirmation from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's office revealed that employees received grand jury subpoenas last week. At least two workers at the registrar's office were instructed to appear in court on Nov. 4, following initial reporting by The New York Times. A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment regarding the subpoenas, and it remains unclear whether the summoned staff members are the targets of a criminal investigation.
The subpoenas follow recent warning letters sent by the DOJ to local election officials across California. These letters cautioned that officials could face significant legal exposure and federal scrutiny if they decline to cooperate with demands to set aside ballots for individuals flagged as likely noncitizens. According to the letters, "If persons knowingly tabulate ballots cast by individuals identified by federal agencies as noncitizens, they risk becoming aiders and abettors to a federal crime."
Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Demands and Warns of Threats
The subpoena news emerged shortly after a federal judge rejected a key DOJ request in the state. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter turned down a motion that would have required California election officials to stop processing and set aside the ballots of thousands of voters. Federal officials had compiled a list of 20,000 names they claimed were likely noncitizens.
Judge Carter found no legal basis for the demand, noting that the court was not convinced the federal list was reliable. He also expressed concern that the initiative would disenfranchise eligible voters and create chaos. The DOJ is currently appealing that ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
During a courtroom hearing, Carter directed a stern warning at federal attorneys: "This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state and county elected employees cease immediately." He reiterated this directive in his written order on Wednesday evening.
Local Election Officials Respond to Legal Escalation
Los Angeles County Registrar Dean Logan issued a statement expressing appreciation for the judge's intervention.
Key facts regarding the ongoing dispute include:
- Grand jury subpoenas were served to at least two employees at the Los Angeles County Registrar's office.
- Recipients were ordered to appear in court on Nov. 4.
- The DOJ previously warned local officials about potential legal exposure for tabulating ballots of flagged individuals.
- U.S. District Judge David O. Carter rejected a DOJ request to halt processing for 20,000 flagged voters.
- The Justice Department is appealing the federal judge's ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
"At every step, the U.S. Department of Justice has taken a confrontational, adversarial approach. Election officials are acting in accordance with state and federal law," Logan stated, adding that the county will take necessary steps to protect employee safety and serve local voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department?
At least two employees at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder's office received grand jury subpoenas instructing them to appear in court on Nov. 4.
Why did the Justice Department issue warnings to California election officials?
The DOJ warned local officials that they risk significant federal scrutiny, legal exposure, and becoming aiders and abettors to a federal crime if they tabulate ballots cast by individuals flagged as likely noncitizens.
What did U.S. District Judge David O. Carter rule regarding the DOJ's request?
Judge Carter rejected the DOJ's request to force California election officials to set aside and stop processing ballots for 20,000 voters flagged by federal authorities, citing a lack of legal basis and unreliability in the list.