Arrests Announced on Election Day Amid National Focus on Election Security
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Tuesday that two foreign nationals were arrested in Tennessee and charged with illegally voting in the 2024 presidential election.
According to ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Frederic Jean Rene Sicard, a French national, and Mark Adwar Odisho, an Iraqi national, were taken into custody in Cleveland, Tennessee, on Oct. 29.
Federal authorities allege both men unlawfully cast ballots during the 2024 presidential election and have been charged with voting by aliens, a violation of federal law.
“Election security is national security,” said ICE Assistant Director of Public Affairs Micah Bock. “When foreign nationals allegedly cast ballots in our elections, they undermine the integrity of the democratic process and the rights of lawful voters.”
The arrests were carried out by Homeland Security Investigations’ Chattanooga office with assistance from the FBI and the Cleveland Police Department.
Election Security Efforts Continue
The arrests were publicly announced on Election Day 2026 as Americans cast ballots in congressional, gubernatorial and local races across the country.
ICE has expanded its role in election-related investigations as part of broader federal election security initiatives. The agency says it will continue working with local, state and federal partners to investigate allegations involving election law violations.
The announcement comes amid ongoing national debate surrounding election administration, voter eligibility and election security measures.
Tennessee Voters Also Choosing New Governor
In Tennessee, voters are also selecting a successor to Gov. Bill Lee. The race has drawn national attention because either major-party nominee could become the first woman elected governor in Tennessee history.
Election officials across the state have reported strong voter participation leading into Election Day, with thousands of Tennesseans casting ballots during the early voting period.
Federal officials have not released additional details about the voting allegations against Sicard and Odisho. The criminal cases will proceed through the federal court system.
