‘Illegal’ Voting being Investigated in Major Red State Following Trump Order

Texas is back in the national spotlight as Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a sweeping investigation into more than 30 suspected noncitizens who allegedly cast ballots in the 2024 general election. The move comes as election integrity battles heat up ahead of November—and as Paxton himself ramps up a Senate primary challenge against incumbent John Cornyn.

Paxton confirmed the probe on Tuesday, promising “no stone will be left unturned” as his office digs into accusations that dozens of noncitizens may have voted illegally. “Noncitizens must not be allowed to influence American elections, and I will use the full weight of my office to investigate all voter fraud,” Paxton said in a forceful statement.

The investigation was triggered after Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson flagged suspicious voting activity, thanks to a recent executive order by President Donald Trump. That order, signed in March, directed federal agencies to give states unprecedented access to immigration and citizenship records, making it easier for states to check voter eligibility.

“Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic,” President Trump wrote in the order. Trump’s directive also opened up the federal government’s SAVE database, letting Texas quickly verify citizenship for registered voters—at no cost to the state.

Gov. Greg Abbott has also joined the push for tighter controls, signing a joint resolution to make it “crystal clear” that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections. “This resolution leaves no doubt—if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you don’t vote in our elections,” Abbott said at a recent press conference.

The state has already purged more than a million names from its voter rolls since August 2024, targeting people who moved away, died, or were suspected noncitizens. Of those, about 1,930 were believed to have a history of voting, raising fresh concerns about the potential scale of illegal ballots.

The numbers, however, have become a political flashpoint. Critics say the governor’s office may be inflating noncitizen voting statistics. The process, officials insist, is ongoing and meant to protect election integrity, not suppress legitimate votes.

Paxton doubled down this week, saying the current investigation is just the beginning. “Texans deserve to know their elections are decided by fellow Americans—not foreign nationals breaking the law,” he insisted.

With election season looming and the nation divided over ballot security, the Texas investigation is sure to fuel even more debate—and scrutiny—over who really gets to shape America’s future at the polls.