House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is launching a formal investigation into reports of noncitizens appearing on voter rolls and jury pools in Michigan. The Kentucky Republican sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, alongside Rep. John James, R-Mich., raising concerns about election integrity in the Detroit metropolitan area.
The probe centers on Macomb County, where Clerk Anthony Forlini uncovered nearly 240 noncitizens in local jury pools over a four-month period. A cross-check revealed that 14 of those individuals had also been registered to vote. "What we have found is very disturbing," Forlini said, noting that at least one individual appeared to have a history of voting multiple times.
Comer and James argue that Michigan’s automatic voter registration system may be to blame. Under current state law, residents are automatically registered to vote when they apply for a driver’s license unless they opt out. Republicans worry this loophole is being exploited as noncitizens obtain state identification.
"Non-citizens have appeared in the state’s jury pool, and in some instances, have been registered to vote," the letter stated. The committee is now demanding a briefing from the Department of Justice to determine if these breaches violate federal law. They are also asking Bondi to investigate whether similar issues are occurring in other swing states nationwide.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has dismissed the allegations as "reckless" and politically motivated. She maintains that instances of noncitizen voting are extremely rare, citing a statewide review that found only a handful of potential cases out of millions of votes cast. Benson accused GOP officials of prioritizing headlines over facts and risking the disenfranchisement of verified U.S. citizens.
The investigation comes as House Republicans prepare to vote this week on the SAVE America Act. This legislation would mandate a nationwide photo ID requirement for voting and require individuals to provide documentary proof of citizenship to register. Supporters argue the bill is essential to restore public trust in the 2026 midterms.