On September 18, 2026, U.S. Department of Justice published a firearm-related federal enforcement or policy update. Gun Felony reviewed the official release and organized the reported facts below as an original case summary.
What did DOJ or ATF announce?
Today, the Justice Department reported charges against 16 individuals in connection with illegal voting, illegal voter registration, and related election-fraud schemes across the country. The charges include unlawful voting by non-citizens in federal elections, false claims of citizenship to register or vote, and related offenses including wire fraud, naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and unlawful firearm purchases uncovered during the course of these investigations. This week, eight aliens residing in Texas are facing charges for alleged unlawful voting.
What firearm or ammunition issue is involved?
The charges include unlawful voting by non-citizens in federal elections, false claims of citizenship to register or vote, and related offenses including wire fraud, naturalization fraud, passport fraud, and unlawful firearm purchases uncovered during the course of these investigations. A federal grand jury in Boise, Idaho, returned an indictment charging Gomez with Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Funds, False Statement of Citizenship in Order to Vote, Voting by Alien, False Statement in Application of Passport, Fraud in Connection with Identification Documents Production, False Statement During Purchase of Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Firearm.
What is the current case status?
A federal grand jury in Boise, Idaho, returned an indictment charging Gomez with Wire Fraud, Theft of Government Funds, False Statement of Citizenship in Order to Vote, Voting by Alien, False Statement in Application of Passport, Fraud in Connection with Identification Documents Production, False Statement During Purchase of Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Firearm. Nigerian national, Gladys Adaeze Okafor, 56, a lawful permanent resident, has been arrested and charged with illegally voting in the 2022 elections and allegedly voting in the 2024 general election.
Why this federal gun case matters
Federal firearm prosecutions can turn on the exact charging statute and facts. Common provisions include 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) prohibited-person offenses, § 924(c) firearm use or possession in connection with specified crimes, unlawful dealing or trafficking statutes, and National Firearms Act provisions. A press release is not a substitute for the indictment, plea agreement, judgment, or docket.
What happens next in this type of matter?
After a guilty plea, the court generally moves toward sentencing. The probation office may prepare a presentence investigation report, the parties may litigate guideline or statutory issues, and the judge ultimately determines the sentence after considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and the factors Congress requires the court to evaluate.
Official record: The original government release is linked in the Sources and legal references section below.