Dean Logan, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder, spoke at a press conference on June 2, 2026. His office informed NPR on Thursday that employees received grand jury subpoenas last week. The Justice Department Escalated pressures by seeking noncitizen identifiers in California’s voter rolls.
The New York Times first reported that at least two staff members at the registrar’s office received subpoenas to appear in court on Nov. 4. In prior communications, DOJ letters warned California officials of federal scrutiny should they neglect demands to isolate ballots belonging to individuals flagged as potential noncitizens by federal authorities.
“If persons knowingly tabulate ballots cast by individuals identified by federal agencies as noncitizens, they risk becoming aiders and abettors to a federal crime,” the letters stated.
DOJ spokespeople have not commented on the subpoenas. It remains uncertain if those subpoenaed are under criminal investigation. News of these subpoenas follows a federal court’s dismissal of the DOJ’s request to stop electoral processing of over 20,000 voters who are reportedly “likely” noncitizens.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter saw no legal foundation for the DOJ’s petition and distrusted the reliability of their list. The judge emphasized the risk of disenfranchising eligible voters and fomenting electoral chaos. The DOJ plans to appeal this refusal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Carter advised the Justice Department to cease threats towards election officials, a sentiment reiterated in his Wednesday ruling. He wrote, “The court reiterates what it said yesterday: these threats must stop.”
Dean Logan expressed appreciation for Carter’s admonition against intimidation towards election officials. He stated, “Judge Carter’s admonishment about threats directed at election officials on Tuesday was well placed and appreciated.” Logan assured that officials adhere to both state and federal laws, committed to ensuring employee safety, and focused on voter service in Los Angeles County.