In a surprising turn of events, a statement from the Trump administration has been debunked, revealing inaccuracies about an alleged employment connection between Democrat Janelle Stelson’s campaign and an undocumented immigrant. The claim, which quickly gained traction online, has been proven to be unfounded.
False Allegations
The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release on October 7 announcing the arrest of Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe, a Nigerian national residing in Pennsylvania. The release erroneously labeled him as a “canvasser for congressional candidate Janelle Stelson.” However, an examination of Stelson’s campaign records indicates that Igbojekwe’s name does not appear in any Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings related to her campaign.
Campaign’s Swift Response
In response to the false allegations, Janelle Stelson’s campaign promptly clarified their position. Campaign manager Alma Baker stated, “This individual is not and has never been employed by the Janelle Stelson campaign. If he is an illegal immigrant who committed a crime he should be deported. We never heard of him prior to the news of his arrest. We are grateful to law enforcement for acting swiftly to arrest him.”
Source of the Misinformation
The origins of the White House’s claim are unclear, but it quickly spread on social media platforms, propelled by several far-right influencers, including LibsOfTikTok and Benny Johnson. The DHS relied on “local reporting” to assert Igbojekwe’s alleged campaign ties, yet this information was sourced from Shore News Network, a conservative outlet, which credited far-right activist Scott Pressler.
Political Context
Janelle Stelson is running against Republican Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvania’s 10th District, a race considered to be highly competitive in the 2026 elections. Despite the controversy, Stelson’s campaign remains focused on the electoral battle ahead.
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