Texas AG Investigates Illegal Immigrant Voter Registration

On Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into organizations suspected of aiding illegal immigrants in unlawfully registering to vote in Texas. While the announcement did not directly reference a recent report by Maria Bartiromo, it highlighted concerns among Texans regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Paxton emphasized that his office would thoroughly investigate credible reports of potential criminal activity that could undermine elections. In his press release, Paxton questioned the necessity of voter registration booths outside Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices, suggesting that eligible citizens should be able to register during their visits to these facilities. He stated, “It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States Citizen,” reinforcing the seriousness of the issue. Critics argue that Paxton's stance overlooks the purpose of these booths, which aim to reach individuals who may not be registered. The investigation comes in the wake of a 2021 law signed by Governor Greg Abbott, which classifies noncitizen voting as a second-degree felony in Texas. A spokesperson for the Texas DPS, William Lockridge, dismissed Bartiromo’s claims about the registration tent as “simply false,” indicating a disconnect between the media narrative and official statements. Republican officials in Texas assert that the investigation is not solely driven by media reports but is part of ongoing operations targeting voter registration practices in major metropolitan areas across the state.