Federal immigration authorities have taken custody of a Cuban national who was previously ordered deported, charging him with illegally casting a ballot in United States elections within the critical swing state of Pennsylvania.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Osmal Sanchez Loy on October 23 following an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations agents in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Authorities charged Loy, a foreign national, with unlawfully participating in U.S. elections.
“Protecting our electoral integrity remains a top priority,” Nathan Abel, special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations, stated regarding the enforcement action.
Loy’s immigration and criminal history spans decades. In 1987, he was convicted of drug crimes, followed by a 1989 conviction for receiving stolen property. He remained in the United States on a visa without ever adjusting his legal status to become a lawful permanent resident. In April 2009, a federal immigration judge formally ordered him deported from the country. Despite that directive, Loy remained inside the United States for the subsequent 17 years.
“We will continue working with our partners to hold violators accountable,” Abel added.
Federal officials note that Loy’s apprehension coincides with a broader federal enforcement push targeting noncitizen voting allegations. The Department of Homeland Security recently reported the arrests of more than a dozen foreign criminals across the country who are accused of casting illegal ballots in U.S. elections.
