An illegal immigrant pleaded guilty to voting illegally in the 2020 election and to lying on a passport application.
Jose Gargenis Vasquez-Rosa, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who was illegally residing in the United States, pleaded guilty to three counts: False statement in a United States passport application, false statement of United States citizenship with the intent to obtain a federal benefit and illegal voting by aliens.
In 2002, Vasquez-Rosa applied for a visa to enter the United States as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, but his application was denied because the relationship was deemed fraudulent.
Then, in 2016, Vasquez-Rosa, who was illegally living in Michigan, assumed the identity of a Puerto Rican man.
Using this fraudulent identity, Vasquez-Rosa applied for a Michigan driver’s license and, at the same time, was registered to vote. Utilizing this fraudulent identity, Vasquez-Rosa then voted in-person in the 2018 election and voted again by absentee ballot in the 2020 election. Also in 2020, Vasquez-Rosa attempted to illegally obtain a United States passport by submitting a passport application using the same fraudulent identity. However, the fraudulent application was detected by the Department of State and no passport was issued.
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United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “American citizens paid for the right to vote with their blood. This illegal alien lied to get into our country and stole that right. And we won’t let criminals undermine our elections.”
"The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who commit identity theft face consequences for their criminal actions,” said DSS Resident Agent in Charge Matthew Kupec. "DSS works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate passport, visa fraud, and other transnational crimes. Deterring, detecting, and investigating U.S. passport and visa fraud is essential to protecting the integrity of U.S. borders and preventing illegal immigration.
Vasquez-Rosa faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Voting in the 2020 Election and Lying to Obtain a U.S. Passport https://t.co/QyhHUdmX2R
— U.S. Attorney EDMI (@USAO_MIE) January 8, 2026
How often is this happening that we are unaware of? pic.twitter.com/McjvKINhFq
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 9, 2026
Guys, that thing that never happens happened again. "Aliens Charged with Illegally Voting in a Federal Election and Making False Statements While Applying for U.S. Citizenship" https://t.co/dcQjr1p2ZV
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 9, 2026
Vasquez-Rosa lied, cheated, and stole to enter the U.S. and influence our elections. Who knows how many other illegal immigrants are voting in our elections, using fake identities, and applying for federal and state benefits?
Vasquez-Rosa is the reason why we have immigration laws.
Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Fairchild and Timothy P. McDonald are prosecuting the case. The investigation is being conducted by the Diplomatic Security Service Detroit Resident Office.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. was joined in the announcement by Matthew Kupac, Resident Agent in Charge of the Diplomatic Security Service Detroit Resident Office.
