Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan speaks at a press convention on June 2, 2026. His workplace confirmed to NPR on Thursday that it obtained grand jury subpoenas directed at workers last week.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

conceal caption

toggle caption
i

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to election staff in Los Angeles in an escalation of tensions with California election officers over the Trump administration’s efforts to determine noncitizens on the state’s voter rolls.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s workplace confirmed to NPR on Thursday that it obtained grand jury subpoenas directed at workers last week.

The affirmation follows reporting that first appeared in the The New York Times that at least two workers at the registrar’s workplace were served grand jury subpoenas with directions to seem in courtroom on Nov. 4.

In current weeks, the DOJ despatched letters to native election officers in California warning them they could “risk significant federal scrutiny and legal exposure” if they refuse to cooperate with DOJ calls for to put aside ballots pertaining to individuals that federal officers have flagged as “likely” noncitizens.

“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 warned.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not reply to a request for remark about the subpoenas.

It is unclear whether the workers who obtained the subpoenas are the targets of a legal investigation at this level.

The information of last week’s subpoenas comes a day after a federal choose in California rejected a request by the Justice Department to require California election officers to put aside and cease processing the ballots of 1000’s of California voters who seem on a listing of 20,000 names federal officers say are “likely” noncitizens.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter discovered there was no authorized foundation for the DOJ’s demand and the courtroom was not satisfied its listing was dependable. The choose also raised considerations the effort would disenfranchise eligible voters and create election chaos.

The DOJ is interesting his ruling to the ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

At a listening to in Carter’s courtroom on Tuesday, the choose warned Justice Department officers, “This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state and county elected employees cease immediately.”

Carter repeated that message in the order he issued Wednesday night, writing: “The court reiterates what it said yesterday: these threats must stop.”

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan expressed gratitude for Carter’s feedback in a assertion Thursday.

“Judge Carter’s admonishment about threats directed at election officials on Tuesday was well placed and appreciated,” Logan said. “At every step, the U.S. Department of Justice has taken a confrontational, adversarial approach. Election officials are acting in accordance with state and federal law.”

He added: “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”