Federal authorities have arrested a 52-year-old Jamaican woman in Florida for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register and vote in the 2024 presidential primary election, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday.
Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, a Jamaican national, has been charged with making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, a federal offense that carries up to five years in prison. She also faces removal from the United States if convicted.
Registered online, voted in 2024 presidential primary
According to the criminal complaint, Wallace entered the U.S. in December 2010 on a six-month B-2 tourism visa but never returned to Jamaica. In January 2024, she registered to vote using Florida’s online voter registration system, which requires individuals to certify they are U.S. citizens.
Despite not being a citizen, Wallace cast a federal ballot in the August 2024 Florida presidential primary.
Homeland Security investigation
Wallace was arrested by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The investigation was part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative focused on combatting illegal immigration, voter fraud, and transnational crime.
Other agencies involved included:
- USCIS
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Election Crime Unit
- Bay County Supervisor of Elections
- Florida Department of State, Office of Election Crimes and Security
Presumed innocent until proven guilty
Officials emphasized that the criminal complaint is only an allegation. Wallace is presumed innocent and will have the opportunity for a fair trial, during which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
USCIS statement
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a reminder that protecting the integrity of the immigration process remains a top priority. The agency encourages the public to report suspected immigration benefit fraud via the USCIS Tip Form.
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