Updated Oct. 23, 2026: A federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction restricting election-related Department of Homeland Security investigations in nine states, citing risks of erroneous data matching and voter intimidation. The order is stayed until 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 23, so the restrictions are not yet operative at this update. It is a preliminary ruling, not a final decision.

Separately, new court papers in a California federal prosecution show that some people charged in the administration’s recent voter-fraud sweep had also applied for U.S. citizenship. The Associated Press reported that 28 people were charged earlier this week: six with alleged noncitizen voting and others with a mix of allegations involving voter registration or statements on naturalization forms and interviews. Charges are allegations, not proof of guilt. The California cases and the nine-state injunction are related to the administration’s broader voter inquiries but are distinct proceedings.

Sources: Associated Press, injunction (Oct. 22): apnews.com source ↗ ; Associated Press, case details (Oct. 23): apnews.com source ↗ ; U.S. Department of Justice, charges and allegations (Oct. 19): justice.gov source ↗ ; National Immigration Law Center case update: nilc.org source ↗