Three Filipinos charged in California voter fraud sweep

CALIFORNIA - Three Filipino nationals are caught up in a federal election fraud crackdown, accused of casting ballots in the November 2024 election despite not being U.S. citizens.

Giezell Viduya Adawag, 41, of Vacaville; José Probitsado Amaro, 51, of National City; and Pamele Arbués Line, 56, of Escondido are among 28 green card holders charged under the Justice Department’s “Operation Protect the Vote.” Authorities announced 11 arrests on October 19 but did not identify whether the three Filipinos were among those taken into custody.

Prosecutors allege Adawag registered on Election Day, falsely claimed U.S. citizenship and voted that same day. She faces a misdemeanor voting charge carrying up to one year in federal prison.

Amaro allegedly claimed to be an American citizen to register, cast a ballot and later denied his citizenship claims and voting history during a naturalization interview.

Line also allegedly registered and voted, then made false statements during her citizenship interview.

Both face charges involving citizenship claims and attempted naturalization.

The sweep has intensified a showdown over California’s voter rolls. Federal officials say the defendants appeared on a list of more than 20,000 suspected noncitizen registrants.

California officials dispute the broader allegations and reject claims of widespread voter fraud.