WASHINGTON — Federal immigration agents have arrested a Bahamas national with a lengthy violent criminal record after investigators determined he illegally voted in the 2020 election, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Anthony Tyrone Higgs on September 3 in Decatur, Georgia. He is being held in ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations custody.
DHS said Higgs’ criminal history includes convictions for two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, two counts of grand larceny, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, criminal domestic violence, assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
Federal investigators also examined Higgs’ voting history. DHS said an HSI Atlanta investigation in August 2026 confirmed that Higgs illegally voted in the 2020 election.
The case follows other recent federal enforcement actions involving non-citizens accused of casting ballots in U.S. elections.
READ MORE: ICE nabs illegal that has voted since 2008
Higgs (pictured at top) was admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident in October 1976, according to DHS. The agency said it has now placed him in removal proceedings seeking to revoke that status because of his criminal history.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the arrest underscores the administration’s effort to remove non-citizens with serious criminal records and prevent illegal voting in American elections.
The federal government has stepped up enforcement involving alleged illegal voting by non-citizens in recent months. DHS cited several cases this year involving people accused or convicted of voting while ineligible, including cases in New Jersey, Louisiana and Kansas.
The issue has also received scrutiny in Iowa. Earlier, Iowa election officials conducted a statewide voter audit that identified suspected cases requiring additional review.
READ MORE: Iowa Secretary of State voter audit finds incidents of voter fraud
ICE enforcement has also drawn considerable attention in North Iowa as federal immigration operations have increased around the country.
READ MORE: ICE activity heats up in Cerro Gordo County as police and locals react
DHS said Higgs remains in ICE custody while removal proceedings move forward.
The DHS release did not identify a criminal charge or conviction against Higgs specifically tied to the alleged 2020 illegal vote. The agency said its investigation confirmed the vote and that the removal action is based on his criminal history.