Federal authorities reportedly conducted interviews on Los Angeles’ Skid Row Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations of voter fraud tied to the city’s 2026 mayoral primary election.
According to reporting from The California Post, approximately 20 federal agents were deployed to the area after homeless residents alleged they had been paid to complete voter registration forms, provide voter information, and forge signatures. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California confirmed to the Daily Caller that federal agents had opened an investigation into a criminal matter. The FBI declined to comment on any active investigation.
The reported operation took place in the heart of Skid Row, an area known for its large homeless population. The California Post said it observed plainclothes federal agents conducting interviews with residents shortly before noon. Homeland Security Investigations personnel were also reportedly involved.
According to the report, agents dressed in casual clothing moved through the area speaking with dozens of individuals. Some residents appeared to direct investigators toward specific locations or people as interviews continued throughout the operation.
The investigation follows allegations that surfaced earlier this month from individuals living in the area. Videos circulated on social media claimed homeless residents were offered cash payments in exchange for participating in election-related activities. The videos were later removed from social media platforms.
FBI agents descend on Skid Row in massive voter fraud probe after stunning claims of election bribery https://t.co/1XVjg0d4PV pic.twitter.com/89kxdrjqht
— New York Post (@nypost) June 18, 2026
In one video cited by the Daily Caller, a woman alleged she received $2 to vote for incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. She claimed election workers instructed her to “sign the little thing” and said similar activity occurred regularly in the area.
Another individual claimed he was initially offered $2 but negotiated the payment to $4 before agreeing to participate. Those allegations have not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly released findings regarding the claims.
The federal inquiry arrives amid a closely watched mayoral race. Preliminary results reported by NBC News showed Bass finishing first with 34 percent of the vote. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman placed second with 29 percent. Republican candidate and television personality Spencer Pratt received 25.5 percent.
Pratt’s campaign attracted national attention after receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump in May.
“I’d like to see him do well,” Trump said at the time. “He’s a character. I heard he’s a big MAGA person. He’s doing well.”
At this stage, federal officials have confirmed only that a criminal investigation is underway. No charges have been announced, and authorities have not publicly identified any individuals or organizations as targets of the probe.
