DHS Faces Hatch Act Complaint Over Campaign Arrest Release
The Department of Homeland Security faces accusations of political interference after linking a Nigerian national's arrest for indecent exposure to a Democratic congressional campaign.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is under scrutiny for alleged political interference following the October 1 arrest of Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe, a Nigerian national. Igbojekwe was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct stemming from a September 27 incident in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania, where he was found exposing himself in a residential neighborhood.
ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall issued a press release attacking Democratic congressional candidate Janelle Stelson, alleging she employed an illegal immigrant and a pervert. While campaign manager Alma Baker initially denied that Igbojekwe was ever employed by the campaign, police reported finding campaign fliers in the suspect's vehicle, and Igbojekwe told officers he was waiting to distribute them. Records indicate Igbojekwe entered the U.S. legally in 2017, overstayed his visa in 2019, and received deferred action under the Biden administration in 2021.
In response to the government's public statements, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. The watchdog group alleges the DHS statement violates the Hatch Act by using an official government position to influence the midterm elections.
