The Department of Justice is warning that state election leaders in Oregon could face criminal prosecution if they knowingly allow noncitizens to vote in elections. 

The warning came in a letter sent to Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read on Tuesday from Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, the Oregonian reported. 

The letter cited federal laws prohibiting people who aren't U.S. citizens from voting, and it suggested that the DOJ could take criminal action against any election officials who knowingly violate federal election laws. 

“In conclusion, any election officer, including the chief election officer of the state, who knowingly retains noncitizens on the state’s (voter registration list) or facilitates noncitizens in receiving and casting ballots could be subject to criminal liability,” Dhillon said.