House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar is under fire from California Republican colleagues for his opposition to Proposition 39, a ballot measure that would require voters to show government-issued photo ID. The criticism intensified after the Department of Justice announced a crime bust in which several U.S. permanent residents were accused of registering to vote despite not being citizens. Aguilar spoke against the measure at a press conference earlier this month, calling it a voter suppression effort. He argued that requiring ID could disenfranchise Californians, citing scenarios where a missing digit on a driver's license or an unchanged marital name might invalidate a ballot. He stated that Republicans seek to change the rules of the game because they are bankrupt of ideas. In response, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., told Fox News Digital that the DOJ's recent actions make it obvious that Proposition 39 is needed. Calvert compared the requirement to show ID for voting with everyday tasks like boarding an airplane or cashing a paycheck. He dismissed Democratic arguments that photo ID is racist or suppressive as nonsense. Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., described voter ID as basic election security supported by the vast majority of Americans and already required in 36 states. Fong noted that opponents resort to lies and fearmongering while the DOJ's bust highlights the need for such safeguards. Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., similarly argued that showing photo ID is a simple standard already used to purchase alcohol or pick up a prescription. She stated that elections deserve at least as much consideration as other regulated transactions. The California government criticized the DOJ's operation, pointing to reports that more of those charged were registered as Republicans than Democrats. A release on Gov. Gavin Newsom's state website said that for nearly a decade, former President Donald Trump has baselessly alleged mass voter fraud rings were employed by Democrats. The release added that courts at all levels have rejected claims of vast voter fraud or that elections were rigged. Voter ID laws currently exist in 36 states, and polls indicate majority support among Americans. However, several efforts to pass federal voter ID legislation have been thwarted by Democrats in Congress in recent years. Fox News Digital reached out to Aguilar's campaign for a response to the comments from his Republican House colleagues.