Anthony Tyrone Higgs, a Bahamian lawful permanent resident admitted in October 1976, was arrested Sept. 3 in Decatur, Georgia, after HSI investigators say they uncovered evidence he illegally voted in the 2020 election. DHS says Higgs has a lengthy criminal history, including allegations of violent offenses, and has placed him in ICE custody for removal proceedings. DHS also cited several other recent cases involving alleged illegal voting by noncitizens and framed the actions as part of efforts to protect election integrity and enforce immigration laws.
Bahamian Green Card Holder Arrested After Alleged Illegal 2020 Vote; DHS Cites Long Violent Record
ICE agents assemble in Minnesota, left; Anthony Tyrone Higgs, inset right.
Federal authorities say a Bahamian national living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident was arrested after investigators concluded he cast an illegal ballot in the 2020 election. Anthony Tyrone Higgs, who was admitted to the U.S. in October 1976, was taken into custody in Decatur, Georgia, and is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal proceedings, officials said.
Arrest, Custody and Allegations
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said its Atlanta office arrested Higgs on Sept. 3. He is currently being held by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) while DHS pursues proceedings to revoke his immigration status based on a lengthy criminal history.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, March 5, 2026.
Criminal Record and Voting Allegation
Officials described Higgs as having an extensive criminal record that includes violent offenses. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the record contains allegations of armed robbery, domestic violence and assaulting a police officer, as well as resisting arrest, two counts of grand larceny and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. HSI also confirmed investigators uncovered evidence suggesting Higgs cast an illegal ballot in the 2020 election.
"Any noncitizens who vote illegally in our elections will be arrested and removed. American elections are only for Americans," a White House spokeswoman told Fox News Digital.
Other Recent Cases Cited by DHS
DHS provided additional examples of alleged illegal voting and election-related offenses by noncitizens. In one recent case, Colombian national Carlos Jaramillo-Grajales pleaded guilty after an ICE investigation found he used identity theft to vote illegally for more than two decades; he was sentenced to three years in prison. Officials also referenced other cases, including a Slovakian national in New Jersey accused of illegally voting in the 2022 midterms, an Australian national accused of unlawful ballots in Louisiana in 2022 and 2024, and Mahady Sacko, a Mauritanian national charged in Philadelphia with multiple alleged illegal votes dating back to 2008.
A Homeland Security Investigations logo is displayed ahead of Super Bowl LIX security operations in New Orleans on Feb. 5, 2025.
Administration Response and Next Steps
DHS officials framed the arrests and prosecutions as part of broader efforts to enforce immigration laws and protect election integrity. Higgs faces proceedings that could lead to revocation of his lawful permanent resident status and subsequent removal from the United States.
Note: The details above reflect statements and allegations made by DHS, HSI and ICE. Charges and allegations are subject to verification through court and immigration proceedings.
Help us improve.
