An Australian lawful permanent resident living in Louisiana was arrested July 1 on federal charges that she illegally voted in the 2022 and 2024 elections by falsely claiming U.S. citizenship when she registered to vote.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest on July 7 following an investigation by its Homeland Security Investigations unit and the FBI.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana said Denise Nataly Migliore, 51, of Franklinton, was indicted on June 11 on four counts.

The indictment alleges that on or about Oct. 6, 2022, and Oct. 22, 2024, Migliore knowingly made false claims of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in a federal election. It further alleges she then cast ballots on Nov. 8, 2022, and Nov. 5, 2024, when she was ineligible because she was not a U.S. citizen.

If convicted, Migliore faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 plus a $100 mandatory special assessment.

U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle noted that the indictment is only a charge and that guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

In the DHS statement, acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the arrest demonstrates enforcement priorities.

"This alien from Australia now faces federal charges for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen and illegally casting ballots in two elections," Bis said.

"Her arrest and charges are the result of the hard work of the men and women of ICE law enforcement and our federal partners. Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: We will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation," she added.

"Only Americans should be electing American leaders," emphasized Bis.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Veters of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.