Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says ICE would go to polling places only for a threat or a warrant, and DHS says ICE is not planning operations targeting them but arrests could follow a threat. Three lawsuits allege that position violates federal law.
BackgroundWho runs U.S. elections?
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin answers a question about ICE and polling places at a Sept. 1, 2026 news conference in New York City.
Excerpt from about 29:12 to 30:33 of the department's video of the news conference. The C-SPAN recording cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: News conference of Sept. 1, 2026; reporter's question and Mullin's answer on polling places, about 20:28 to 21:50)
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Since February 2026, federal officials have given differing answers about whether ICE and other armed federal agents could be at or near polling places during the November 3 election. On September 1, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE would be at a polling place only if there is a threat to it or agents are serving a warrant, and DHS told Politico that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations but that arrests could result if an active public safety threat endangered one. On September 10, 18 and 23, 2026, LULAC and other groups, a coalition including the NAACP, and Democratic leaders and party committees sued separately in federal court in Washington. They allege that the administration's statements and actions violate 18 U.S.C. 592, Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, or both. As of September 25, the court dockets show no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion to dismiss from the federal defendants, and no court has ruled.
Background: Who runs U.S. elections?
Read the full background
The fixed reference point for classification in this case is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places during the 2026 election, as described in three pending federal lawsuits. Responses are recorded against that specific matter: whether federal officials have said or signaled that such agents may be present at polling places, and whether that would be lawful or appropriate. They are not recorded against immigration enforcement generally, claims about noncitizen voting, or the legal merits of any one lawsuit.
On September 1, 2026, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told reporters in New York that ICE is not there to patrol polling places, and that agents would be at one only if there is a threat to it or they are serving a warrant on someone they have been tracking (C-SPAN video (opens in a new tab)). DHS told Politico (opens in a new tab) the same day that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations, and that arrests could result from targeted enforcement if an active public safety threat endangered one. On September 13, White House border czar Tom Homan said on Fox News that there is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens (Fox News video (opens in a new tab)).
Other officials have given differing answers since February. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on February 5 that she could not guarantee an ICE agent would not be around a polling location in November, and that she had not heard the president discuss formal plans (White House video (opens in a new tab)). A DHS election-integrity official told state election officials on February 25 that there would be no ICE presence at polling locations, according to Votebeat (opens in a new tab). Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche asked at a March 26 conference why there is objection to sending ICE officers to polling places (The Hill (opens in a new tab)). In a May 11 letter, the senior official performing the duties of ICE director told Colorado's secretary of state that there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places (ICE letter (opens in a new tab)). Asked on May 12 whether he would send the National Guard or ICE to voting locations, President Donald Trump said he would do anything necessary to make sure there are honest elections (PBS News post (opens in a new tab)).
Three suits before Judge Loren AliKhan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenge what they allege is the administration's position. LULAC, Common Cause, Common Cause Education Fund, UnidosUS and the city and county of Denver sued DHS, ICE, Mullin and acting ICE director David Venturella on September 10, alleging a "Polling Place Policy" that violates 18 U.S.C. 592, which bars ordering or keeping "armed men" at places where elections are held unless needed to repel armed enemies of the United States, and the Administrative Procedure Act (No. 1:26-cv-03157; complaint (opens in a new tab)). Nine organizations including the NAACP sued on September 18 under Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidating, threatening or coercing people for voting or attempting to vote, naming DHS, ICE, the Justice Department, the FBI, Mullin, Venturella, Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel and Homan (No. 1:26-cv-03263; complaint (opens in a new tab)). Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the DSCC, the DCCC and the Democratic Governors Association sued on September 23 under both statutes, naming ICE, DHS, Mullin, Venturella, the FBI and Patel (No. 1:26-cv-03330; complaint (opens in a new tab)). These are the plaintiffs' allegations. No court has ruled.
As of September 25, 2026, the CourtListener mirrors of the three dockets show no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion to dismiss from the federal defendants. The LULAC docket (opens in a new tab) records that the answer of all federal defendants is due November 10, 2026, 60 days after service on the U.S. Attorney. The September 23 case (opens in a new tab) was assigned to the same judge on September 25. NPR (opens in a new tab) reported that the White House said, in response to the September 18 suit, that the president has not discussed plans for ICE to be at polling places. As of September 25, 2026, we could not locate a public response from the White House, the Justice Department or DHS to the September 23 suit.
People in this case
Markwayne MullinDirectly involved
Tom HomanDirectly involved
Letitia JamesCommented
Mike CollinsCommented
Timeline
27 timeline entries on this page. Dates: February 12, 2026 to October 28, 2026
February 2026
Padilla offers a funding amendment to bar armed agents from polling sites
Padilla offers an amendment to the DHS funding bill barring federal funds from directing federal law enforcement or military personnel to polling places and election offices.
[01]Padilla's proposal to prohibit election-site deployments
The issuing person or organization explains its position and the actions it took.
Padilla's proposal to prohibit election-site deploymentsOpening amendment announcement and paragraph describing the amendment offered on the Senate floor
March 2026
Nine secretaries of state ask DHS to confirm ICE will not be at polling places
Reaction
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced a letter from nine secretaries of state to then-nominee Markwayne Mullin asking him to confirm in writing that ICE would not have a presence near voting locations in the 2026 election cycle. The release said the letter followed remarks by DHS official Heather Honey on February 25 and then-Secretary Kristi Noem on March 3.
[02]Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold Leads Letter Seeking Confirmation of Homeland Security Policy on ICE at Polling Locations
Source excerpt
We are calling on the nominated Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to confirm in writing that there will not be an ICE presence near voting locations in the 2026 election cycle.
Release announcing a letter from nine secretaries of state to then-nominee Markwayne Mullin. It lists the signatories, quotes Griswold, and quotes remarks by DHS official Heather Honey on Feb. 25 and then-Secretary Kristi Noem on March 3.
May 2026
ICE's acting head replies to the secretaries of state
Reaction
Todd M. Lyons, the senior official performing the duties of ICE director, wrote to Griswold that there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places and that ICE Homeland Security Investigations would keep investigating voter fraud. Colorado's Secretary of State's office released the letter on May 27 and said it was dated more than a month after the April 8 response deadline the secretaries had requested.
[03]U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Source excerpt
Therefore, there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places.
ICE's one-page reply, signed by Todd M. Lyons as Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director, to the March 9 letter from nine secretaries of state. The copy was published by the Colorado Secretary of State's office.
Letter from Todd M. Lyons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, May 11, 2026 · U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementOne-page letter dated May 11, 2026, third paragraph[04]DHS Responds to Letter from Nine Secretaries of State, states "no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."
Source excerpt
I agree that there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places.
Release publishing the May 11 reply from ICE's Todd Lyons. It says the reply was dated more than a month after the April 8 response deadline the secretaries requested, quotes Griswold's reaction, and links both letters.
DHS Responds to Letter from Nine Secretaries of State, states "no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."News release of May 27, 2026, including Griswold's statementConnecticut adopts election-site protections with specified exceptions
Connecticut approves Public Act 26-42. Section 57 restricts covered officers' presence within 250 feet of election sites from July 1, with exceptions for judicially authorized action, emergencies and other specified circumstances. It also prohibits presence intended to examine voters' qualifications.
[05]Connecticut Public Act 26-42, Section 57
The act was approved May 15. Section 57 sets election-site restrictions, exceptions and enforcement provisions, effective July 1.
Connecticut Public Act 26-42, Section 57Section 57, pages 86-92; approval endorsement, page 112Witnesses report ICE agents at a San Antonio voting location
Incident
According to eyewitnesses cited by the San Antonio Current, ICE agents swarmed a vehicle in the parking lot of a voting location after a Texas Department of Public Safety traffic stop, and the Bexar County sheriff told the agents to leave. Witnesses said they saw no sign that the agents approached or questioned anyone there to vote. The Current said it had not received a response from the sheriff's office, ICE or Texas DPS.
[06]ICE conducts enforcement action at San Antonio voting location, witnesses say
Source excerpt
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarmed a vehicle in the parking lot of a West Side voting location Wednesday morning, according to eyewitnesses.
Local report based on eyewitness accounts. The Current said it had not received a response from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, ICE's San Antonio Field Office or Texas DPS. Witnesses said they saw no sign that the agents approached or questioned anyone there to vote.
ICE conducts enforcement action at San Antonio voting location, witnesses sayReport of the May 20, 2026 incident at the Las Palmas Branch Library voting location
June 2026
Rhode Island enacts a 200-foot ICE restriction at voting sites
Governor Dan McKee signs legislation barring ICE employees, agents and officials from entering or remaining within 200 feet of a polling place during voting. It permits an officer's presence to cast a lawful vote. The state holds a ceremonial signing on July 24.
[07]Rhode Island S3339 legislative history and text
LegiScan reproduces the state bill history and links the original legislation.
Rhode Island S3339 legislative history and textPassed status: signed by governor June 22, 2026[08]Rhode Island H7434 legislative history and text
BillTrack50 reproduces the companion bill history and links the state text.
Rhode Island H7434 legislative history and textActions: signed by governor June 22, 2026[09]New Rhode Island law keeps ICE agents away from polling places
The legislature describes the 200-foot restriction and its voting exception. The July ceremony followed enactment in June.
New Rhode Island law keeps ICE agents away from polling placesCeremonial signing and description of the enacted lawPoll worker says federal officers confronted her inside a Syracuse polling place
Incident
A poll worker told the Associated Press that two federal officers visited her at a Syracuse, New York polling place on June 23, during the state's party primaries, to confront her about a social media post. Video she provided shows two uniformed people entering and speaking with her. She said she received an unsigned warning letter from ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility, which she declined to sign. A DHS spokesperson said she had committed a federal crime by posting an ICE officer's address online. The New York State Board of Elections said the incident did not disrupt voting and was not related to the election process.
[10]Associated Press
Source excerpt
did not disrupt voting and was not related to the election process
Associated Press report. It includes a DHS spokesperson's statement that the poll worker had committed a federal crime by posting an ICE officer's address online, a statement from the New York State Board of Elections, and comments from the poll worker, a colleague and a Brennan Center director.
Election Worker Says Federal Officers Confronted Her at Polls over Social Media Post Criticizing ICE · Associated PressReport of the June 23, 2026 encounter at a Syracuse, New York polling place, published June 26, 2026
July 2026
LUCHA trains Tucson election observers for possible ICE encounters
LUCHA holds a Tucson training where volunteers work through potential ICE activity around voting sites and how election observers should document and respond to it.
[11]KJZZ reports on LUCHA's Tucson election-observer training
Reporting includes attributed statements and a chronology of the events.
KJZZ reports on LUCHA's Tucson election-observer trainingRodriguez interview at LUCHA's Tucson training; Reporter account of Saturday's Tucson observer training
September 2026
Mullin describes when ICE could be at polling places, and DHS says none are planned
Claim
In New York, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE would be at a polling place only if there is a threat to it or agents are serving a warrant on someone they have been tracking. DHS told Politico that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations, and that arrests could result if an active public safety threat endangered one. The LULAC plaintiffs later described Mullin's remarks as confirmation of a policy.
[12]C-SPAN
Source excerpt
The only reason why we would be at polling places if there is a threat to that polling place or we're serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down.
C-SPAN's recording of Secretary Mullin's news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York field office about ICE enforcement operations in New York. The polling-place answer responds to a reporter's question that referred to his Senate confirmation testimony. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
Homeland Security Secretary Mullin on ICE Enforcement Operations in New York (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANNews conference of Sept. 1, 2026; reporter's question and Mullin's answer on polling places, about 20:28 to 21:50[13]Politico
Source excerpt
ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations.
Politico's same-day report on Mullin's New York remarks. It quotes a DHS statement given when Politico asked for more clarity, and says DHS also pointed to Mullin's comments at his March confirmation hearing.
Mullin says DHS could deploy to polling sites for 'specific' threats, arrests · PoliticoReport of Mullin's remarks and the DHS statement, published Sept. 1, 2026 at 1:13 p.m. EDT[14]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Markwayne Mullin confirmed and clarified the administration’s policy of authorizing armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to polling places
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges a "Polling Place Policy" announced by Secretary Mullin on Sept. 1, 2026 and asks the court to declare it unlawful under 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
Complaint, League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 10, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 11 and 40 to 61, Counts I to III and prayer for reliefLULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS and Denver sue DHS and ICE
Claim
LULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS and the city and county of Denver sued DHS, ICE, Secretary Mullin and acting ICE director David Venturella in federal court in Washington (No. 1:26-cv-03157). The complaint alleges a "Polling Place Policy" that violates 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act, and asks the court to declare it unlawful and to bar the defendants from carrying weapons near open polling places. The case was assigned to Judge Loren AliKhan.
[15]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 11/10/2026.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 21 were read. ECF 17 records service on the U.S. Attorney on 9/11/2026 and states that the answer of all federal defendants is due 11/10/2026. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction.
League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 21, Sept. 10 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of appearance for all defendants (ECF 13) and the return of service (ECF 17)[14]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Markwayne Mullin confirmed and clarified the administration’s policy of authorizing armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to polling places
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges a "Polling Place Policy" announced by Secretary Mullin on Sept. 1, 2026 and asks the court to declare it unlawful under 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
Complaint, League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 10, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 11 and 40 to 61, Counts I to III and prayer for relief[16]USA Today
Source excerpt
LULAC filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Sept. 10.
USA Today's report on the LULAC filing. It lists the defendants as DHS, ICE, Secretary Mullin and acting ICE director David Venturella, quotes LULAC's chief executive and Denver's mayor, and quotes a DHS spokesperson.
Civil rights group says sending ICE to polls would 'intimidate voters' · USA TodayReport of the LULAC filing and a DHS spokesperson's statement, published Sept. 10, 2026FBI director tells Senate committee he does not know FBI agents cannot legally be at polls
Reaction
At a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel was asked whether deploying FBI agents to the polls on Election Day would be contrary to law. He answered that he does not know that the FBI cannot legally do it, and said the FBI would house its agents and intelligence analysts in field offices for election security.
[17]C-SPAN
Source excerpt
I'm telling you we're going to house our agents and intel analysts in our field offices for election security.
C-SPAN's recording of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Sept. 15, 2026 oversight hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel. The quoted words in the exchange on FBI agents at the polls were transcribed from the recording.
FBI Director Patel Testifies at Oversight Hearing (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANSenate Judiciary Committee hearing of Sept. 15, 2026; exchange on FBI agents at the polls, about 1:59:30 to 2:00:40[18]CNN
Source excerpt
There is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens.
CNN explainer collecting what administration and military officials have said about troops or federal officers at polling places, including Homan's Fox News remarks, Mullin's March confirmation-hearing remarks and Patel's Sept. 15 Senate testimony.
Will the Trump administration send federal officers or troops to the polls? Here's what we know · CNNSections on Mullin, Patel, Caine, Homan and Trump; published Sept. 7 and updated Sept. 15, 2026Nine organizations including the NAACP sue under the Voting Rights Act
Claim
Nine organizations, including the NAACP, the National Urban League and four national unions, sued DHS, ICE, the Justice Department, the FBI and officials including Mullin, Blanche, Patel and Homan in federal court in Washington (No. 1:26-cv-03263). The complaint alleges that statements and actions about armed federal agents near polling places intimidate voters in violation of Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, and asks for a declaration and an injunction. The case was assigned to Judge AliKhan.
[19]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 4:27 p.m. Entries 1 to 31 were read. They consist of the complaint, disclosure statements, notices of appearance, pro hac vice motions and minute orders granting them. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion by the defendants. The mirror lists ECF 29 to 31 as notices of appearance without descriptions.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 31, Sept. 18 to Sept. 25, 2026, including assignment to Judge AliKhan[20]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
the federal government has claimed authority to station armed federal agents to unlawfully operate in the vicinity of voting locations.
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges that statements and actions by federal officials about armed agents near polling places violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, and cites statements by Trump, Mullin, Homan, Blanche, Patel and others. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
Complaint, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 18, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 14 and 99 to 113, and Count I[21]Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locations
Source excerpt
Such harms violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats, and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote, as well as people who encourage or assist others in voting.
Announcement by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, of the suit by nine organizations. It lists the plaintiffs and their counsel and quotes lawyers and plaintiff leaders, including NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statements[22]NPR
Source excerpt
is not planning operations targeting polling locations.
NPR's report on the LULAC and NAACP suits. It quotes a DHS statement to NPR, reports that the White House said in response to the lawsuit that it has repeatedly addressed the issue and that the president has not discussed plans for ICE to be at polling places, and includes remarks from Denver's clerk and recorder and from counsel for the plaintiffs.
It's illegal for armed federal officers to be at polls. Lawsuits seek to ensure that · NPRDHS and White House responses to the NAACP suit and description of the LULAC and NAACP suits, published Sept. 18, 2026California signs a package of election-protection laws
Governor Gavin Newsom signs bills including SB884, which changes prohibited activities near polling locations for elections in 2026 through 2029, and SB1418, which addresses unauthorized removal of election materials and voting technology.
[23]Governor Newsom signs laws addressing election interference
The governor's announcement lists changes to activities near polling locations and protection of election materials.
Governor Newsom signs laws addressing election interferenceSB884 and SB1418 in the signed packageCourt record lists November 10 as the federal defendants' answer date in the LULAC case
LULAC's lawyers filed proof of service showing that the U.S. Attorney was served on September 11, and the docket entry states that the answer of all federal defendants is due November 10, 2026. A government lawyer had entered an appearance for all defendants on September 12. That date is 60 days after service.
[15]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 11/10/2026.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 21 were read. ECF 17 records service on the U.S. Attorney on 9/11/2026 and states that the answer of all federal defendants is due 11/10/2026. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction.
League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 21, Sept. 10 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of appearance for all defendants (ECF 13) and the return of service (ECF 17)[14]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Markwayne Mullin confirmed and clarified the administration’s policy of authorizing armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to polling places
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges a "Polling Place Policy" announced by Secretary Mullin on Sept. 1, 2026 and asks the court to declare it unlawful under 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
Complaint, League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 10, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 11 and 40 to 61, Counts I to III and prayer for reliefSchumer, Jeffries and party committees sue over armed ICE and FBI agents at polling places
Claim
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the DSCC, the DCCC and the Democratic Governors Association sued ICE, acting ICE director David Venturella, DHS, Secretary Mullin, the FBI and FBI Director Kash Patel (No. 1:26-cv-03330). The complaint alleges a "Polling Place Policy" under which armed ICE and FBI agents may be sent to places where ballots are cast and counted, asserts claims under the Administrative Procedure Act, 18 U.S.C. 592 and Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, and asks the court to bar armed agents from the vicinity of open polling places, drop boxes and curbside voting locations.
[24]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by DCCC, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION, DSCC, HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES, CHARLES E. SCHUMER. Case related to Case No. 1:26-CV-3157.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 11 were read. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no response from the defendants.
DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 11, Sept. 23 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of related case (ECF 2) and assignment to Judge AliKhan on Sept. 25[25]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
In our democracy, the polling booth is meant to be “an island of calm in which voters can peacefully contemplate their choices.”
The plaintiffs' complaint. It names ICE, acting ICE director David Venturella, DHS, Secretary Mullin, the FBI and FBI Director Patel, and asserts claims under the Administrative Procedure Act and the Voting Rights Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
Complaint, DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 23, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, introduction, Counts I and II and prayer for relief[26]Leaders Schumer and Jeffries, DSCC, DCCC, and DGA File New Lawsuit to Block Trump and Republicans' Threats to Intimidate Voters at Polling Places
Source excerpt
Federal law explicitly forbids voter intimidation and stationing armed federal agents at polling places.
DSCC's posting of a joint statement from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear after the suit was filed.
Leaders Schumer and Jeffries, DSCC, DCCC, and DGA File New Lawsuit to Block Trump and Republicans' Threats to Intimidate Voters at Polling PlacesJoint statement posted Sept. 24, 2026 after the Sept. 23 filingBaldwin introduces the Safe Access to the Polls Act
Baldwin introduces legislation to bar federal funding for ICE, CBP or National Guard activity within a quarter-mile of voting sites, checkpoints on routes to them, or interference with eligible voters' access.
[27]Senator Baldwin Introduces New Bill to Stop Trump from Sending ICE, National Guard to Polls
Source excerpt
There is no reason for masked, armed agents to be at polling places like churches, schools, and libraries other than to intimidate eligible voters from making their voices heard.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin's press release announcing the Safe Access to the Polls Act. It describes the bill's limits on federal funds for sending ICE, CBP or the National Guard to polling places and quotes Baldwin.
Senator Baldwin Introduces New Bill to Stop Trump from Sending ICE, National Guard to PollsPress release of September 23, 2026The September 23 suit is assigned to the judge handling the LULAC and NAACP cases
The court assigned the DSCC case to Judge Loren AliKhan, who is also presiding over the LULAC and NAACP cases. The plaintiffs had filed a notice that the case is related to the LULAC case. As of the docket mirrors' last updates that afternoon, none of the three dockets showed a motion for a preliminary injunction.
[24]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by DCCC, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION, DSCC, HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES, CHARLES E. SCHUMER. Case related to Case No. 1:26-CV-3157.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 11 were read. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no response from the defendants.
DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 11, Sept. 23 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of related case (ECF 2) and assignment to Judge AliKhan on Sept. 25[15]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 11/10/2026.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 21 were read. ECF 17 records service on the U.S. Attorney on 9/11/2026 and states that the answer of all federal defendants is due 11/10/2026. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction.
League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 21, Sept. 10 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of appearance for all defendants (ECF 13) and the return of service (ECF 17)[19]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 4:27 p.m. Entries 1 to 31 were read. They consist of the complaint, disclosure statements, notices of appearance, pro hac vice motions and minute orders granting them. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion by the defendants. The mirror lists ECF 29 to 31 as notices of appearance without descriptions.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 31, Sept. 18 to Sept. 25, 2026, including assignment to Judge AliKhan
October 2026
Hennepin County joins an expanded polling-place lawsuit
Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint adding Hennepin County, the Justice Department, the FBI and their leaders. It challenges alleged ICE and FBI policies allowing armed agents at polling places and adds a Voting Rights Act claim alleging voter intimidation.
[28]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Filed complaint adding Hennepin County and federal defendants, and a Voting Rights Act claim. Its accounts of policy and intimidation are the plaintiffs' allegations.
LULAC v. DHS: first amended complaint, October 7, 2026 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocument 22, filed October 7, 2026; caption, paragraphs 8-20, and Counts III and V (pages 61-65)Judge requests parties' positions on consolidating three polling-place cases
Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered the parties in LULAC v. DHS, NAACP v. DHS and DSCC v. ICE to meet and confer and submit a joint report on possible consolidation by October 16. The order did not consolidate the cases or grant an injunction.
[29]Free Law Project
The order requests a joint report on possible consolidation by October 16. It does not consolidate the cases or decide the requested relief.
LULAC v. DHS: October 9 order requesting positions on consolidation · Free Law ProjectOctober 9, 2026 minute order, entry 481135834Wisconsin finalizes guidance on law enforcement at polling places
The Wisconsin Elections Commission finalizes guidance on handling federal agents who arrive at polling places. It instructs officials to contact clerks, document encounters and apply observer rules, while preserving restrictions on armed federal personnel and intimidation. Votebeat later reports disagreement over how the guidance treats unarmed, uniformed agents.
[30]Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling places
Original interviews distinguish armed federal personnel from unarmed observers. The report describes guidance finalized October 15; later syndicated versions are not separate reporting.
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling placesGault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviewsExpert survey finds concern about federal presence but less than in spring
Source release
Votebeat reports that 19 of 31 surveyed election experts considered military or law-enforcement deployment at or near polls at least somewhat likely. Concern had declined from the spring survey. The August 27 to September 21 survey was not scientific or representative; it records expectations and does not establish a deployment plan.
[31]Votebeat publishes follow-up survey of election experts
The non-scientific survey of 31 experts ran August 27 to September 21. Its estimates describe respondents' expectations, not evidence that a deployment is planned.
Votebeat publishes follow-up survey of election expertsMethodology and physical disruption at the polls sectionArlington County sues over federal-agent policies at election sites
Arlington County files suit in the Eastern District of Virginia. It asks the court to set aside policies permitting armed federal enforcement at election sites and alleges those policies interfere with local administration and threaten voters.
[32]Arlington County complaint against DHS and other federal defendants
The county alleges federal policies violate election protections and interfere with local administration.
Arlington County complaint against DHS and other federal defendantsComplaint and requested declaratory and injunctive relief[33]Arlington County Board sues to block armed federal agents at polling places
Arlington republishes counsel's release after filing its complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Arlington County Board sues to block armed federal agents at polling placesAnnouncement of the complaintFederal agents reported at early voting sites in two Florida counties; supervisors contact the FBI
Incident
Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley said two U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicles stayed about 10 minutes at the Northeast Branch Library, the county's busiest early voting site, on Monday, October 19. In Monroe County, Supervisor Sherri Hodies opened an investigation after reports of masked federal agents conducting a stop at a Key Largo polling place on Tuesday, October 20. Both supervisors contacted the FBI, CBS Miami reported.
[34]CBS Miami: federal agents reported near early voting sites in two Florida counties
CBS Miami reports that the Leon and Monroe County election supervisors contacted the FBI after federal agents were seen at or near early voting sites, and quotes Leon County Supervisor Mark Earley's statement.
CBS Miami: federal agents reported near early voting sites in two Florida countiesFull article, updated October 22, 2026AliKhan grants part of the NAACP plaintiffs' expedited discovery request
Judge Loren AliKhan orders responses to three document requests concerning election-related enforcement plans and policies. She sets October 26 and 28 production deadlines and an October 29 status report. The order grants discovery rather than an injunction on deployment.
[35]NAACP v. DHS: order granting part of expedited discovery request
Judge Loren AliKhan grants three document requests and denies the others. The order is dated October 21.
NAACP v. DHS: order granting part of expedited discovery requestDocument 41, pages 5-10Court consolidates three polling-place enforcement lawsuits
Judge Loren AliKhan orders consolidation of the LULAC, NAACP and DSCC lawsuits challenging federal enforcement at voting sites. The order brings the three pending District of Columbia cases together.
[19]United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Source excerpt
Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan.
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 4:27 p.m. Entries 1 to 31 were read. They consist of the complaint, disclosure statements, notices of appearance, pro hac vice motions and minute orders granting them. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion by the defendants. The mirror lists ECF 29 to 31 as notices of appearance without descriptions.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C.): docket · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaDocket entries 1 to 31, Sept. 18 to Sept. 25, 2026, including assignment to Judge AliKhanLeon County says the CBP agents stopped to ask about voting; CBP calls the Key Largo stop a targeted arrest
Earley said the sheriff's office and FBI found that the agents seen in Leon County were driving to an out-of-state assignment and had stopped to try to vote early, and he called it an isolated instance. CBP told Scripps News the officers were out of uniform and left after being told they could vote only in their home county. It said the October 20 Key Largo stop was a targeted immigration arrest and that the driver pulled into a parking lot next to a polling location.
[36]Scripps News: Border Patrol agents spotted near Florida polling site were there to vote
Scripps News reports Leon County's update on why CBP vehicles stopped at an early voting site, and CBP's statements on that stop and on a Key Largo arrest next to a polling location.
DOJ tells a court that no FBI or ICE employees will serve as its election monitors
Source release
In an October 28 court declaration in the NAACP's records lawsuit, the acting chief of DOJ's Voting Section says no FBI or ICE employees will serve as the department's election monitors. He says that apart from one Customs and Border Protection employee detailed to DOJ, he knows of no Homeland Security employees taking part, and that monitors drawn from the Bureau of Prisons, ATF and DEA will be unarmed and will not act as law enforcement. A DOJ spokesperson tells Newsweek the department has never said it would send federal law enforcement to the polls. The declaration concerns DOJ's monitors, not the Homeland Security position on ICE enforcement near polling places that the lawsuits in this case challenge.
[37]Newsweek
Newsweek report on the October 28 DOJ declaration about who will serve as election monitors, with a statement from a DOJ spokesperson.
DOJ Says It Won't Deploy FBI, ICE Agents as Poll Monitors · NewsweekArticle, full text[38]Trump admin says it won't send FBI or ICE agents to enforce laws at polling sites after DOJ boasted of plan to send 1,000 'election monitors'
Law&Crime report, republished by Yahoo News, on the October 28 DOJ declaration filed in the NAACP's records lawsuit.
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
League of United Latin American Citizens
DHS, through Secretary Mullin's September 1, 2026 statements, has adopted a policy authorizing armed ICE officers to go to polling places to serve warrants and conduct other immigration enforcement, and that policy violates 18 U.S.C. 592.
Sources (2)
- Complaint, League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 10, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 11 and 40 to 61, Counts I to III and prayer for relief
- LULAC Sues Department of Homeland Security To Keep Armed ICE Officers Out Of America's Polling Places · League of United Latin American CitizensPress release of Sept. 10, 2026
Disputed claim
NAACP
Federal officials' statements and actions about deploying ICE and other armed federal agents near polling places intimidate voters and violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act.
Sources (2)
- Complaint, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 18, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 14 and 99 to 113, and Count I
- Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statements
Disputed claim
ICE officers would be at polling places only if there is a threat to the polling place or they are serving a warrant on someone ICE has been actively tracking down.
Sources (2)
- Homeland Security Secretary Mullin on ICE Enforcement Operations in New York (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANNews conference of Sept. 1, 2026; reporter's question and Mullin's answer on polling places, about 20:28 to 21:50
- Mullin says DHS could deploy to polling sites for 'specific' threats, arrests · PoliticoReport of Mullin's remarks and the DHS statement, published Sept. 1, 2026 at 1:13 p.m. EDT
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
59 responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
Jim GeraghtySenior political correspondent at National Review, in his Morning Jolt newsletter Before this statement
Geraghty opens the newsletter with a Connecticut law that barred police from coming within 250 feet of a polling place, then turns to concerns about federal and local authorities at the polls during early voting.
"There’s a lot of fear that the 2026 midterm elections will be disrupted by some authority, either federal or local, harassing and intimidating voters, seizing ballots, or closing polling places. That fear, so far, appears unfounded."
Challenged the characterizationResponding to: Federal officials' statements and actions about deploying ICE and other armed federal agents near polling places intimidate voters and violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act.
Full statement and sources
National Review's Jim Geraghty argues that fears of authorities intimidating voters, seizing ballots or closing polling places in the 2026 midterms have so far proved unfounded. He says voters are extremely unlikely to see federal agents at their polling places and that reported incidents in Florida have not proved to be anything nefarious.
After the statement
He writes that more than 31 million people had voted without incidents involving ICE agents or National Guard troops and that voters are extremely unlikely to see federal agents at their polling place. He also criticizes Steve Bannon's remark that ICE would surround the polls and President Trump's comments about the election, and urges readers not to let them deter voting.
The Phantom Voter-Intimidation Threat · National ReviewNewsletter, opening and section 'Ballot-Box Scare Tactics'Why this label?
Relative to the administration's position that ICE may go to polling places for threats or warrants, Geraghty disputes the claim that federal agents are intimidating voters, saying the fear has not been borne out. He does not defend agents at the polls, and he criticizes remarks by Steve Bannon and President Trump.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Letitia JamesAttorney General of New YorkBefore this statement
James issued the reminder while early voting was underway in New York, which runs through November 1 before Election Day on November 3. She said no eligible New Yorker should stay home on Election Day because of fear.
"I want New York voters to know the law is on their side. Armed federal agents are not allowed at polling places, and no one can use a badge, a weapon, or a threat to stop you from voting."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
James says armed federal agents are not allowed at New York polling places and that no one can use a badge, a weapon or a threat to stop someone from voting.
After the statement
The release says New York law bars local governments from giving immigration officers access to a polling location for enforcement without a valid judicial warrant or court order, and points voters to the office's Election Protection Hotline.
Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers that federal agents cannot police the polls · Letitia JamesPress release, October 27, 2026Why this label?
The matter under scrutiny is allowing armed federal agents, including immigration agents, at or near voting sites. James says state and federal law bar their presence and urges voters to report intimidation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Angela O'Brien SharpeWisconsin Elections Commission attorney supervisor Before this statement
She responds to Dane County's objection to the commission guidance.
"If federal law enforcement wishes to observe an election, then they are permitted to do so,"
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Sharpe says federal law enforcement may observe an election, subject to Wisconsin's observer rules, and that the commission's guidance does not authorize armed federal observers.
After the statement
She adds that the guidance is meant to help poll workers decide whether an officer's presence amounts to intimidation or a disturbance. Votebeat published her comments on October 22 without saying when she made them.
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling placesGault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviewsWhy this label?
Relative to the prospect of ICE and other federal agents at polling places, Sharpe says federal law enforcement may observe under the state's observer rules but that the guidance does not authorize armed federal observers. She accepts one form of presence and rules out another, so mixed or conditional fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Justin LevittLoyola Law School election-law scholar Before this statement
Levitt calls the commission's guidance "legit and accurate". Votebeat reports that he said the commission and Dane County agree that armed agents are banned at the polls and that chief inspectors can remove anyone intimidating voters. The quoted sentence addresses what would have happened had the commission banned ICE from the polls entirely.
"That would actually be getting Wisconsin in trouble because you cannot single out federal officials for special treatment."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Levitt says that if the Wisconsin Elections Commission had banned ICE from the polls entirely, it would have gotten the state in trouble, because a state cannot single out federal officials for special treatment.
After the statement
Votebeat does not say when Levitt spoke to it; the date used here is the article's publication date.
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling placesGault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviewsWhy this label?
Relative to the prospect of ICE and other armed federal agents at polling places, Levitt agrees, as Votebeat reports, that armed agents are banned at the polls, but says a state cannot ban ICE from the polls entirely because it cannot single out federal officials. He treats armed presence as unlawful and objects only to a categorical ban, so mixed or conditional fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Kim TruebloodMarathon County clerk, a Republican Before this statement
She calls the commission guidance acceptable overall and says local sheriffs would be the first contact if agents arrived.
"You standing there in your FBI vest is intimidating to voters, and so we’re not going to allow that,"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Trueblood says she would exclude uniformed federal agents as observers even if they were unarmed, because their appearance could intimidate voters.
After the statement
Her objection concerns uniformed observers. She does not report that such agents have appeared at her polling places.
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling placesGault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviewsWhy this label?
She expressly rejects the presence of uniformed federal agents as observers on voter-intimidation grounds.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Brian SchwalbAttorney General for the District of Columbia Before this statement
The passage answers the advisory's question whether federal officials can send armed ICE agents to polls. Schwalb issued the know-your-rights advisory on poll monitoring and voter intimidation ahead of the November elections.
"Federal law generally bars the federal government from sending armed persons to election locations. Any armed federal agents—whether with ICE, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals, or any other agency—cannot be sent to polling places."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Schwalb's advisory says federal law generally bars the federal government from sending armed persons to election locations, including ICE, FBI and U.S. Marshals agents.
After the statement
The advisory goes on to say that federal authority over law enforcement generally does not extend to local police, and that Justice Department poll monitors have no greater power than any other member of the public.
Attorney General Schwalb issues advisory on protecting District residents' right to vote · Brian SchwalbVoter advisory FAQ: Can federal officials send armed ICE agents to polls?Why this label?
The matter under scrutiny is allowing armed federal agents, including immigration agents, at or near voting sites. Schwalb's office says federal law bars sending them to polling places.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Show fewer responses
Human Rights WatchHuman Rights Watch, through executive director Philippe BolopionBefore this statement
The release discusses ICE's widespread abuses over the last two years and says they risk dissuading some people from voting if they expect to encounter agents near polling places.
"ICE agents should be publicly ordered to stay away from the polls and anywhere ballots are being cast,"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Human Rights Watch says ICE agents should be publicly ordered to stay away from polls and wherever ballots are cast, arguing that the prospect of encountering agents could deter some eligible voters.
After the statement
The release ends with this statement.
US: Order No ICE Zones during Election PeriodConcluding statement by executive director Philippe BolopionWhy this label?
The matter under scrutiny is allowing armed federal immigration agents at or near voting sites. Human Rights Watch opposes their presence and seeks a public prohibition.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
David GaultDane County attorney Before this statement
In an October 15 email, he objects to guidance that he believes could be read to allow armed federal observers.
"There is no legitimate reason for ICE to be at a polling place,” he told Wolfe. “Everyone there is presumptively a US citizen. I don’t think WEC’s guidance should imply that an ICE agent can be a legitimate observer."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In an email to the Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator, Gault says there is no legitimate reason for ICE to be at a polling place and that the commission's guidance should not imply an ICE agent can be a legitimate observer. Votebeat reports that he argued a federal voter-intimidation law would bar even an unarmed but uniformed ICE agent from observing.
After the statement
Commission attorney supervisor Angela O'Brien Sharpe disagreed, saying federal law enforcement may observe subject to Wisconsin's observer rules. Gault then called the guidance "confusing at best" and wrote that armed federal agents should not be at a polling place under any circumstances.
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling placesGault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviewsWhy this label?
Gault expressly opposes ICE attendance as an election observer.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Joseph NunnBrennan Center counsel writing legal analysis Before this statement
Nunn opens by writing that stationing federal troops at polling places would be clearly illegal, because Section 592 criminalizes deploying federal troops or armed federal law enforcement agents to any polling place. He then rejects a 1968 Office of Legal Counsel memo saying the ban does not apply when the president invokes the Insurrection Act.
"Apart from this single, narrow exception—which is necessary both as a practical matter and in recognition of the president’s inherent constitutional authority to repel sudden armed attacks—there is no emergency override for Section 592’s prohibition on placing troops at the polls. On the contrary, the law was designed precisely for emergencies, to ensure that future security crises would not lead to crises for American democracy."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Nunn argues that apart from a narrow exception for repelling armed enemies of the United States, no emergency power overrides Section 592's ban on troops at the polls, and that the law was designed for emergencies so that security crises would not become crises for American democracy.
After the statement
The passage ends the article. Its argument concerns troops; the article mentions armed federal law enforcement agents only in describing what Section 592 covers.
Nunn argues emergency powers do not override the ban on troops at pollsStatutory interpretation and final paragraphsWhy this label?
Relative to the prospect of ICE and other armed federal agents at polling places, Nunn writes that Section 592 criminalizes deploying federal troops or armed federal law enforcement agents to any polling place and that such a deployment would be clearly illegal. In this passage he argues that no emergency power lifts the ban, so condemns fits. His argument centers on troops; he names armed federal agents in describing what the statute covers.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Common CausePlaintiff and co-issuer of the October 7 joint statement in LULAC v. DHSBefore this statement
The release announces the amended complaint, with Hennepin County joining LULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS and Denver. It attributes the quoted statement jointly to plaintiffs and counsel.
"every eligible voter must be able to cast a ballot, without intimidation or fear of encountering armed federal agents at the polls."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Common Cause joined the other plaintiffs and counsel in a statement opposing intimidation or fear of armed federal agents at polling places. They urged the court to enforce voting protections before the midterms.
After the statement
The joint statement also addresses possible FBI presence and requests enforcement of existing protections. Democracy Forward and Public Rights Project are identified as co-counsel.
Polling-place plaintiffs and counsel issue joint statement on expanded lawsuitOctober 7 release; three paragraphs of joint statement following the list of plaintiffsWhy this label?
The joint statement rejects armed federal activity that intimidates voters and asks the court to enforce protections against it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mike CollinsU.S. Representative from Georgia and Republican candidate for U.S. SenateBefore this statement
Democracy Docket wrote that the Trump administration has floated the possibility of sending federal troops to voting sites for months. In a video of the exchange at a campaign event with Sen. John Thune, the questioner noted that early voting starts October 13 and asked about the idea, which the questioner said some in the administration have floated, of federal troops at sites in some precinct areas. Collins first said he has always been a firm believer in local elections, then gave the answer quoted here.
"The last thing we want is for people to not have confidence in their elections and not show up. So … if that's something that they decide that they need to look at, then that's fine with me"
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Georgia Republican Senate candidate Rep. Mike Collins was asked at a campaign event with Sen. John Thune about the idea, which the questioner said some in the administration have floated, of federal troops at sites in some precinct areas. He said the last thing "we" want is for people to lack confidence in their elections and not show up, and that if that is something the administration decides it needs to look at, that is fine with him.
After the statement
The report says Collins, who has President Donald Trump's endorsement, is challenging Sen. Jon Ossoff in this year's midterm election.
Aaron Rupar post of Rep. Mike Collins's answer on federal troops at polling places · Aaron RuparVideo clip of about 35 seconds, posted September 27, 2026 at 15:25 UTC; the answer runs from about 0:15 to 0:32‘Fine with me’: GOP Senate candidate Mike Collins backs federal troops at pollsSecond and third paragraphs of the article, published September 27, 2026Why this label?
The case asks whether ICE and other armed federal agents should be allowed at or near polling places, and records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of them. Collins was asked about federal troops at sites in some precinct areas rather than about ICE, and we recorded the answer because it addresses armed federal personnel at voting sites. He said that if the administration decides it needs to look at the idea, that is fine with him, so we labeled it Defended or excused.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Chuck SchumerSenate Democratic Leader, in a joint statement with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the DSCC, DCCC and Democratic Governors Association chairsBefore this statement
Schumer, Jeffries, the DSCC, the DCCC and the Democratic Governors Association filed suit in federal court in Washington on September 23.
"We are taking strong, joint legal action to block Donald Trump’s threats to deploy federal agents, including ICE and FBI agents, to polling places this November. … Federal law explicitly forbids voter intimidation and stationing armed federal agents at polling places."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a joint statement after filing suit, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the chairs of the DSCC, DCCC and Democratic Governors Association said they are taking legal action to block what they called Donald Trump's threats to deploy federal agents, including ICE and FBI agents, to polling places, and said "Federal law explicitly forbids voter intimidation and stationing armed federal agents at polling places".
After the statement
The complaint names ICE, DHS, Secretary Mullin, acting ICE director David Venturella, the FBI and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Leaders Schumer and Jeffries, DSCC, DCCC, and DGA File New Lawsuit to Block Trump and Republicans' Threats to Intimidate Voters at Polling PlacesJoint statement posted Sept. 24, 2026 after the Sept. 23 filingComplaint, DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 23, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, introduction, Counts I and II and prayer for reliefWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. The statement announced legal action to block threatened deployments and said federal law forbids stationing armed federal agents at polling places, which expressly rejects the practice. It set no condition, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tammy BaldwinU.S. senator, introducing the Safe Access to the Polls ActBefore this statement
Baldwin's press release said the bill comes as the president has repeatedly threatened to send federal agents into polling places and several of his appointees have refused to rule out sending troops or law enforcement. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the bill followed President Trump not ruling out such deployments earlier this year.
"There is no reason for masked, armed agents to be at polling places like churches, schools, and libraries other than to intimidate eligible voters from making their voices heard. My bill will stop the President from sending armed troops to our local polling places and make sure you can access the ballot box and have your voice heard."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Announcing the Safe Access to the Polls Act, which would bar the use of federal funds to send ICE, CBP or the National Guard to polling places, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said, "There is no reason for masked, armed agents to be at polling places like churches, schools, and libraries other than to intimidate eligible voters from making their voices heard".
After the statement
The release says the bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to send ICE, CBP or National Guard members within a quarter of a mile of a location where an election is being held.
Senator Baldwin Introduces New Bill to Stop Trump from Sending ICE, National Guard to PollsPress release of September 23, 2026Tammy Baldwin bill bans ICE agents, National Guard from polling placesMilwaukee Journal Sentinel report updated Sept. 23, 2026, opening paragraphWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Baldwin said there is no reason for armed agents at polling places other than to intimidate voters and introduced a bill to prohibit federal funds for sending ICE, CBP or the National Guard there. That expressly rejects the stated or threatened use, so condemns fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
United States Department of JusticeJustice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels, in a written statementBefore this statement
A coalition of civil rights groups led by the NAACP had sued on September 18, alleging that threats to deploy law enforcement to polling sites violate the Voting Rights Act ban on voter intimidation.
"The DOJ has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations. Any suggestion otherwise is fearmongering."
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a statement reported by The Guardian after a coalition of civil rights groups sued over threats to deploy federal law enforcement at voting sites, Justice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels said, "The DOJ has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations". Pels added, "Any suggestion otherwise is fearmongering".
After the statement
The Guardian also reported that a DHS spokesperson denied that ICE was planning operations targeting polling locations, that the FBI declined to comment and that ICE referred questions to DHS.
Trump administration sued over threat to deploy federal law enforcement at voting sites · The GuardianReport published Sept. 18, 2026 on the NAACP-led suit, including the Justice Department, DHS, FBI and White House responsesA second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling placesGovernment Executive's republication of a States Newsroom report, dated Sept. 21, 2026Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. The Justice Department said it has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations, which denies that it has stated or threatened such a deployment. Challenges the characterization loses because the statement goes beyond disputing a label and denies the statement of intent itself.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
NAACPNAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke, speaking for a lead plaintiffDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Nine organizations including the NAACP sued in federal court in Washington under Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act.
"We reject this administration’s attempt to desecrate our polling sites by converting them into militarized zones through the unlawful deployment of ICE or any other federal agent … The Voting Rights Act prohibits intimidation tactics that stand to deny and deter voters from exercising their voice and their rights."
CondemnedResponding to: Federal officials' statements and actions about deploying ICE and other armed federal agents near polling places intimidate voters and violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act.
Full statement and sources
In the plaintiffs' September 18 announcement, NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke said the NAACP rejects an attempt to convert polling sites into "militarized zones through the unlawful deployment of ICE or any other federal agent", and said the Voting Rights Act "prohibits intimidation tactics that stand to deny and deter voters from exercising their voice and their rights".
After the statement
The announcement, issued by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, also quoted lawyers for the plaintiffs and the leaders of other plaintiff organizations.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsComplaint, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 18, 2026), ECF 1 · United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 14 and 99 to 113, and Count IWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Clarke described the deployment of ICE or other federal agents to polling sites as unlawful and said the NAACP rejects it, which expressly condemns the practice. She set no condition, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Hector Sanchez BarbaPresident and CEO of Mi Familia en Acción, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, according to the release Before this statement
Nine organizations, including Mi Familia en Acción and the NAACP, filed a federal lawsuit on September 18, 2026. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's statements and actions violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote.
"Latino voters have the same fundamental right as every American to cast their ballots freely and without intimidation. The presence of federal law enforcement at or near polling places risks creating fear and confusion, particularly in Latino and immigrant communities"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Mi Familia en Acción President and CEO Hector Sanchez Barba said in the Legal Defense Fund's September 18 announcement of the lawsuit that the presence of federal law enforcement at or near polling places risks creating fear and confusion, particularly in Latino and immigrant communities. He said Latino voters have the same fundamental right as every American to cast their ballots freely and without intimidation.
After the statement
The release says voters across the country, especially Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, immigrant and naturalized citizen voters, fear questioning, arrest, detention, surveillance or use of force by federal agents when they vote.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Sanchez Barba said the presence of federal law enforcement at or near polling places risks creating fear and confusion, particularly in Latino and immigrant communities, and framed voting without intimidation as a right. That criticizes the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jimmy Williams Jr.General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, a plaintiff in the lawsuit Before this statement
Nine organizations, including the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and the NAACP, filed a federal lawsuit on September 18, 2026. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's statements and actions violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote.
"This is election interference pure and simple We are a democratic union and have an obligation to stand up for democratic principles whenever they are attacked. Deploying federal agents to polling sites has no place in this country, it is authoritarian fearmongering and a blatant attempt to influence our elections. Our polling sites shouldn’t look like armed camps. American citizens have the right to engage in our democracy without having masked federal agents trying to deter them"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
IUPAT General President Jimmy Williams Jr. said in the Legal Defense Fund's September 18 announcement of the lawsuit, "This is election interference pure and simple." He said deploying federal agents to polling sites has no place in the country and called it authoritarian fearmongering and a blatant attempt to influence elections. He said polling sites should not look like armed camps and that citizens have the right to take part in democracy without masked federal agents trying to deter them.
After the statement
The release describes the plaintiffs as nine organizations representing immigrants, communities of color and workers.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Williams said deploying federal agents to polling sites has no place in the country and called it authoritarian fearmongering, and said polling sites should not look like armed camps. That expressly rejects the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Joseph BryantExecutive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union, a plaintiff in the lawsuit Before this statement
Nine organizations, including the Service Employees International Union and the NAACP, filed a federal lawsuit on September 18, 2026. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's statements and actions violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote.
"SEIU members are well aware of the threat of federal law enforcement at the ballot box later this fall. Our hard-working care and service workers, and the family and neighbors they’ll be voting alongside, won’t allow for intimidation when it comes to casting their votes No eligible voter should be afraid to make their voice heard. Voting is about accountability—about building a better future for our families. When that future and our rights are threatened, our members will throw down to stop such disenfranchisement"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
SEIU Executive Vice President Joseph Bryant said in the Legal Defense Fund's September 18 announcement of the lawsuit that SEIU members are aware of the threat of federal law enforcement at the ballot box and will not allow intimidation of voters. He said no eligible voter should be afraid to make their voice heard and that members will work to stop such disenfranchisement.
After the statement
The release says the complaint documents how the federal government has asserted authority for armed agents to operate in the vicinity of voting locations.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Bryant said SEIU members are aware of the threat of federal law enforcement at the ballot box and will not allow intimidation, and that members will work to stop such disenfranchisement. That criticizes the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Randi WeingartenPresident of the American Federation of Teachers, a plaintiff in the lawsuitBefore this statement
Nine organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers and the NAACP, filed a federal lawsuit on September 18, 2026. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's statements and actions violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote.
"Deploying federal agents to strike the fear of god into voters at polling places is a tactic straight out of the authoritarian playbook It’s intimidation pure and simple and has no place in a true democracy. No matter your politics, American citizens need to be able to exercise their basic democratic right without running the gauntlet of an armed, masked militia"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a Legal Defense Fund release announcing the September 18 lawsuit that deploying federal agents to strike fear into voters at polling places is a tactic out of the authoritarian playbook. She called it intimidation that has no place in a true democracy and said citizens need to exercise their right to vote without "running the gauntlet of an armed, masked militia."
After the statement
The release says the plaintiffs are represented by seven legal organizations, including the Legal Defense Fund and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Weingarten called deploying federal agents to strike fear into voters at polling places a tactic from the authoritarian playbook and intimidation with no place in a true democracy, and said citizens need to be able to vote without running the gauntlet of an armed, masked militia. She set no condition, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Marc MorialPresident and CEO of the National Urban League, a plaintiff in the lawsuitBefore this statement
Nine organizations, including the National Urban League and the NAACP, filed a federal lawsuit on September 18, 2026. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's statements and actions violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote.
"Voter intimidation is illegal, whether it comes from a mob outside the polling place or from the federal government itself Threatening to station ICE agents or other federal law enforcement near voting locations is a transparent attempt to sow fear, suppress participation, and silence communities whose voices are essential to a healthy democracy"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said in a Legal Defense Fund release announcing the September 18 lawsuit that voter intimidation is illegal whether it comes from a mob outside the polling place or from the federal government itself. He said threatening to station ICE agents or other federal law enforcement near voting locations is a transparent attempt to sow fear, suppress participation and silence communities.
After the statement
The release says the lawsuit asks the courts to definitively prohibit the federal government's threatened use of law enforcement at or around polling places.
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locationsPress release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statementsWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Morial said voter intimidation is illegal whether it comes from a mob or from the federal government itself, and that threatening to station ICE agents or other federal law enforcement near voting locations is a transparent attempt to sow fear and suppress participation. That expressly rejects the threatened deployment, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Shenna BellowsMaine Secretary of StateBefore this statement
Axios reported that the administration's hints about sending ICE agents to polling places had led state officials from Maine to Oregon to make plans to counter any actions that could affect voters, and that New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said her office is training local election officials to ask any officers to leave the voting area.
"If the Trump administration were to go down that path, the individuals involved would be committing crimes"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told Axios, "If the Trump administration were to go down that path, the individuals involved would be committing crimes", describing a protocol in Maine similar to the one New Mexico's secretary of state outlined for any ICE presence at polling places.
After the statement
A DHS spokesperson told Axios that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations and that arrests could result if an active public safety threat endangered a polling location.
States prep for ICE agents to be at polls, just in case · AxiosReport published Sept. 17, 2026; What they're saying sectionWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Bellows said that people who deployed ICE agents to polling places would be committing crimes. That rejects the stated or threatened use as unlawful, so condemns fits better than mixed or conditional, because her conditional phrasing sets out a hypothetical and not a condition under which she would accept it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tom HomanWhite House border czarDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Fox News host Jacqui Heinrich asked Homan whether there was any truth to claims that ICE would be raiding polling locations, three days after Denver and civil rights groups sued to block ICE from polling places.
"I have not seen any operational plans or any discussions on any immigration enforcement operation at polling places. This is another fear tactic. This is another attack on ICE and this administration. … I want to put that to bed. There is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens."
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
On Fox News, Homan said he had not seen operational plans or discussions of immigration enforcement operations at polling places, called the claims "another fear tactic", and said, "There is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens".
After the statement
In the same interview, The Hill reported, Homan was asked whether there has been an order for enforcement to stay away from polling places and said there is no sensitive-location policy.
Tom Homan Reacts to Denver Lawsuit Seeking to Block ICE at Polls (Fox News video) · Fox NewsFox News Sunday Briefing, Sept. 13, 2026; answer on polling places, about 1:05 to 1:30 and 1:55 to 2:15 of the clipICE has no plans to 'sweep polling locations' for noncitizens, Homan says · The HillReport of Homan's Fox News Sunday Briefing remarks, published Sept. 14, 2026 at 11:07 a.m. ETWill the Trump administration send federal officers or troops to the polls? Here's what we know · CNNSections on Mullin, Patel, Caine, Homan and Trump; published Sept. 7 and updated Sept. 15, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Homan said he had seen no plans and that there is no plan to sweep polling places, which denies the alleged plan. Challenges the characterization loses because he denied the plan itself and did not merely dispute how critics describe it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
League of United Latin American CitizensLULAC national president and chairman of the board, speaking for a lead plaintiffDirectly involvedBefore this statement
LULAC filed suit in federal court in Washington against DHS, ICE, Secretary Mullin and acting ICE director David Venturella.
"The question before the court is not about immigration. It is whether the federal government may post armed officers between a citizen and the voting booth. Congress answered that question in 1865, and the answer was no. Our vote is our voice, and LULAC will not stand by while any administration, of any party, tests whether that voice can be quieted."
CondemnedResponding to: DHS, through Secretary Mullin's September 1, 2026 statements, has adopted a policy authorizing armed ICE officers to go to polling places to serve warrants and conduct other immigration enforcement, and that policy violates 18 U.S.C. 592.
Full statement and sources
In LULAC's announcement of its lawsuit, national president Roman Palomares said the case asks "whether the federal government may post armed officers between a citizen and the voting booth", and said "Congress answered that question in 1865, and the answer was no".
After the statement
Common Cause, UnidosUS and the city and county of Denver joined LULAC as co-plaintiffs.
LULAC Sues Department of Homeland Security To Keep Armed ICE Officers Out Of America's Polling Places · League of United Latin American CitizensPress release of Sept. 10, 2026Civil rights group says sending ICE to polls would 'intimidate voters' · USA TodayReport of the LULAC filing and a DHS spokesperson's statement, published Sept. 10, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Palomares argued that Congress barred armed federal officers between a citizen and the voting booth and vowed that LULAC will not stand by, which expressly rejects the practice. He set no condition, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Virginia Kase SolomonPresident and CEO of Common Cause, a plaintiff in the lawsuit Before this statement
Common Cause, LULAC, UnidosUS and the city and county of Denver filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on September 10, 2026, according to the release. The release says the suit challenges a policy that it says Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed and clarified on September 1, when he said ICE officers could enter polling places to serve warrants or conduct other immigration and customs enforcement activity.
"Putting armed officers in polling places is a tactic used by dictators, but we won’t be scared out of exercising our rights No American should ever have to walk past armed federal law enforcement just to cast a ballot, yet this administration has adopted a policy that allows exactly that."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Common Cause President and CEO Virginia Kase Solomon said that putting armed officers in polling places is a tactic used by dictators and that no American should have to walk past armed federal law enforcement to cast a ballot. She said the administration has adopted a policy that allows this.
After the statement
The release says the suit asks the court to declare what it calls the Polling Place Policy unlawful and to block the administration from carrying it out. It says the plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward and Public Rights Project.
New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling PlacesSixth paragraph of the release, the quotation attributed to Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase SolomonWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Kase Solomon said putting armed officers in polling places is a tactic used by dictators and that no American should have to walk past armed federal law enforcement to cast a ballot. That expressly rejects the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mike JohnstonMayor of Denver; the city and county of Denver is a plaintiff in the lawsuitBefore this statement
The city and county of Denver joined LULAC, Common Cause and UnidosUS as a plaintiff in the suit filed on September 10, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, according to the release.
"The right to vote, and to do so without fear of intimidation, is fundamental to our democracy and to being an American Stationing ICE agents near polling places is only meant to scare people and suppress votes. We’ll fight tooth and nail to prevent it."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said that stationing ICE agents near polling places is only meant to scare people and suppress votes, and that the right to vote without fear of intimidation is fundamental to democracy. He also said, "We'll fight tooth and nail to prevent it."
After the statement
The release also quotes Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López, who said Denver will protect its elections from any attempts at federal intimidation and intrusion.
New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling PlacesSixth paragraph of the release, the quotation attributed to Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase SolomonWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Johnston said stationing ICE agents near polling places is only meant to scare people and suppress votes, and said, "We'll fight tooth and nail to prevent it." That expressly criticizes the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Janet MurguiaPresident and CEO of UnidosUS, a plaintiff in the lawsuitBefore this statement
UnidosUS is one of the plaintiffs in the suit filed on September 10, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, according to the release. The release also quotes officials of the other plaintiffs.
"Sending armed ICE officers to polling places is not immigration enforcement — it is voter suppression, plain and simple All Americans — including Latino voters — have a constitutional right to cast their ballot without fear of interrogation, detention, or family separation. This case is about protecting voters, preserving confidence in our elections, and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate free from intimidation."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguia said that sending armed ICE officers to polling places is not immigration enforcement and is voter suppression. She said all Americans, including Latino voters, have a constitutional right to cast a ballot without fear of interrogation, detention or family separation.
After the statement
The release says the complaint alleges that the administration's policy defies a federal prohibition on armed federal personnel at polling places by authorizing armed ICE officers to enter polling locations for ordinary immigration enforcement, including serving warrants and detaining people suspected of being unlawfully present.
New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling PlacesSixth paragraph of the release, the quotation attributed to Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase SolomonWhy this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Murguia said sending armed ICE officers to polling places is not immigration enforcement but voter suppression, and that voters have a right to cast a ballot without fear of interrogation or detention. That expressly rejects the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bennie ThompsonU.S. representative from Mississippi and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, writing with 14 other committee DemocratsBefore this statement
The letter says committee Democrats wrote to Mullin on June 1 and July 16, 2026 seeking information on deploying DHS law enforcement to polling locations and assurances that ICE agents would not be sent, and that those letters were ignored. It quotes Mullin as saying on September 1 that ICE would be at polling places if there is a threat to a polling place or if agents are serving a warrant on someone they have been actively tracking down.
"we write today to express our strongest opposition to any plans the Department may have to deploy its law enforcement officers to polling places during the 2026 midterm elections we demand that you clarify your ambiguous comments regarding the circumstances under which the Department might deploy law enforcement personnel to polling places and make clear to the public that neither ICE nor any other DHS law enforcement personnel will be deployed to polling locations."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) led House Homeland Security Committee Democrats in a September 4 letter to Secretary Markwayne Mullin that expresses the members' strongest opposition to any plan to deploy DHS law enforcement officers to polling places in the 2026 midterm elections. The letter demands that Mullin make clear to the public that neither ICE nor any other DHS law enforcement personnel will be deployed to polling locations.
After the statement
The letter also objects to what it calls the misuse of DHS resources on elections, including personnel reassigned to investigate noncitizen voting and an ICE acquisition forecast for a nationwide voter database. It is signed by Thompson and 14 other Democratic members of the committee.
Letter from House Homeland Security Committee Democrats to Secretary Mullin on DHS election activitySix-page letter dated September 4, 2026; the opposition to deployment is in the second paragraph on page 1 and the demand to make clear that no DHS law enforcement will be deployed is on page 2Democrats Demand DHS Secretary Mullin Follow – and Learn – Federal Law on Elections and Deploying to Polling SitesCorrespondence release of September 4, 2026Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. The letter expresses the committee Democrats' strongest opposition to any plan to deploy DHS law enforcement officers to polling places and demands a public commitment that ICE and other DHS law enforcement will not be deployed there. That expressly rejects the stated or threatened use, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Raja KrishnamoorthiU.S. representative from Illinois and member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformBefore this statement
In the letter, Krishnamoorthi describes Mullin's September 1 remarks at a press conference in New York as saying that ICE agents could be present at a polling place if there is a threat to it or if they are serving a warrant on someone they have been actively tracking down.
"With early voting and Election Day fast approaching, voters should not have to wonder whether federal immigration agents could appear at or near their polling place while they are casting their ballots. The presence of armed federal agents at or near a polling location—even when ostensibly responding to a separate law-enforcement matter—could create confusion, fear, or intimidation and could discourage eligible voters from exercising their constitutional right to vote. The Department cannot simultaneously maintain, on one hand, that ICE has ‘no reason’ to be near a polling place, and on the other, that its Special Response Teams stand ready to deploy there. As the Department's Secretary, you are uniquely positioned to end this ambiguity."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a September 4 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) wrote that voters should not have to wonder whether federal immigration agents could appear at or near their polling place, and that the presence of armed federal agents there could create confusion, fear or intimidation. He wrote that DHS cannot maintain both that ICE has "no reason" to be near a polling place and that its Special Response Teams stand ready to deploy there.
After the statement
The letter asks DHS for a definitive statement of policy on whether ICE, CBP or any other DHS component will deploy personnel to, or within sight of, any polling place, ballot drop box or election office in the 2026 election. It asks for a response by September 10, 2026.
Krishnamoorthi Sounds Alarm as Trump Administration Continues to Threaten to Deploy Armed Federal Agents to Polling PlacesPress release of September 4, 2026; passages from the letter appear after "In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes" and "Krishnamoorthi writes"Letter from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi to Secretary Mullin on ICE and CBP at polling placesFour-page letter dated September 4, 2026; the passages quoted are on pages 1 and 3, and the requests are on page 3Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Krishnamoorthi wrote that the presence of armed federal agents at or near a polling location could create confusion, fear or intimidation and discourage eligible voters, that federal law restricts armed personnel at polling places, and that DHS cannot hold two contradictory positions on whether ICE could be near a polling place. That criticizes the stated or threatened use and the administration's refusal to rule it out, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityDepartment statement given to PoliticoDirectly involvedBefore this statement
Politico asked DHS for more clarity on Mullin's remarks about ICE at polling places.
"ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations. ICE conducts intelligence-driven targeted enforcement, and if an active public safety threat endangered a polling location, they may be arrested as a result of that targeted enforcement action."
Mixed or conditionalResponding to: ICE officers would be at polling places only if there is a threat to the polling place or they are serving a warrant on someone ICE has been actively tracking down.
Full statement and sources
In a statement to Politico, DHS said ICE "is not planning operations targeting polling locations", and added that if an active public safety threat endangered a polling location, arrests could result from targeted enforcement.
After the statement
DHS gave a similar statement to USA Today on September 10 and to NPR on September 18.
Mullin says DHS could deploy to polling sites for 'specific' threats, arrests · PoliticoReport of Mullin's remarks and the DHS statement, published Sept. 1, 2026 at 1:13 p.m. EDTCivil rights group says sending ICE to polls would 'intimidate voters' · USA TodayReport of the LULAC filing and a DHS spokesperson's statement, published Sept. 10, 2026It's illegal for armed federal officers to be at polls. Lawsuits seek to ensure that · NPRDHS and White House responses to the NAACP suit and description of the LULAC and NAACP suits, published Sept. 18, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. DHS said ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations, and also said arrests could result if an active public safety threat endangered one. That pairs a denial of a planned presence with an express condition under which enforcement could occur, the same position as Mullin's. The closest alternative, denies, loses because the second sentence reserves enforcement at a polling location.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Markwayne MullinSecretary of Homeland SecurityDirectly involvedBefore this statement
A reporter at a news conference on immigration enforcement operations in New York asked about Mullin's Senate confirmation testimony that ICE could be sent to polling places only in the event of a specific threat.
"I was being very, very clear when I said ICE isn't there to patrol the polling places. We're there to enforce specific threats. The only reason why we would be at polling places if there is a threat to that polling place or we're serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down. … If we're serving a warrant, we will be where we need to be."
Mixed or conditionalResponding to: ICE officers would be at polling places only if there is a threat to the polling place or they are serving a warrant on someone ICE has been actively tracking down.
Full statement and sources
Asked at a New York news conference about his Senate confirmation testimony, Mullin said ICE is not there to patrol polling places and would be at one only if there is a threat to it or agents are serving a warrant on someone they have been actively tracking. He said, "If we're serving a warrant, we will be where we need to be".
After the statement
DHS gave Politico a statement the same day saying ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations.
Homeland Security Secretary Mullin on ICE Enforcement Operations in New York (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANNews conference of Sept. 1, 2026; reporter's question and Mullin's answer on polling places, about 20:28 to 21:50Mullin says DHS could deploy to polling sites for 'specific' threats, arrests · PoliticoReport of Mullin's remarks and the DHS statement, published Sept. 1, 2026 at 1:13 p.m. EDTWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Mullin said ICE would not patrol polling places but would be at one for a threat or to serve a warrant, so his position depends on express conditions. Defends or excuses loses because he did not argue for agents at polling places generally, and denies loses because he did not rule out a presence.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Susan CollinsU.S. senator (Republican, Maine)Before this statement
Collins spoke to reporters during a visit to a Biddeford business after Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles said, in audio obtained by the Bangor Daily News, that he would make an appeal for ICE and marshals to be at Maine voting booths three or four weeks before the election.
"To have ICE present at the polls I think would intimidate a lot of legitimate American voters. I just think it would make them very uncomfortable."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Speaking to reporters in Biddeford, Maine, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she disagrees with Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles' plan to invite ICE agents to Maine's polling places. She said an ICE presence at the polls "would intimidate a lot of legitimate American voters" and, "I just think it would make them very uncomfortable".
After the statement
WGME reported that a few days after the remarks the Charles campaign said Maine should have an open line of communication with federal authorities to prevent illegal voting, violence and intimidation, and that Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said the plan would be illegal and unconstitutional.
Collins opposes illegal plan to put ICE agents at Maine polls this fallReport published Aug. 31, 2026 at 10:56 p.m.Susan Collins says she doesn’t ‘see the need’ for ICE at polling places · Bangor Daily NewsReport published Aug. 31, 2026 on Collins's remarks to reporters at a Biddeford businessWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Collins, a Republican, said an ICE presence at polling places would intimidate legitimate voters and that she disagrees with the plan to invite ICE agents to Maine's polls. That expressly rejects the use, and she stated no condition under which she would accept it, so condemns fits.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Dan CaineChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a letter to Sen. Elissa SlotkinBefore this statement
On August 18, Slotkin asked Caine and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to confirm in writing that troops would not be sent to polling places in November. Federal law makes it a crime for a federal officer to bring troops or armed men to a place where an election is held, unless the force is needed to repel armed enemies of the United States.
"The Joint Force has no plans to send Federal military personnel or Federalized members of the National Guard to polling places during the 2026 elections. Likewise, the Joint Force has no plans to use such personnel to seize ballots, voting machines, or other election-related material."
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a letter to Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote that the military has no plans to send federal troops or federalized National Guard members to polling places during the 2026 elections, or to use them to seize ballots, voting machines or other election material. He also wrote that he had neither received nor expected any unlawful order about the military's role in the midterms.
After the statement
Reuters reported, citing an official, that the letter was received on August 28, and Slotkin's office posted it on August 31. Slotkin's press secretary told the AP that Hegseth had not replied to the senator's request by her deadline.
Letter from Gen. Dan Caine to Sen. Elissa Slotkin on the Armed Forces and the 2026 midterm elections · Elissa SlotkinOne-page letter, fourth paragraphU.S. has no plans to send troops to the polls in November, Gen. Caine says · PBS NewsHourArticle, full textWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal personnel at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Caine wrote that the military has no plans to send federal troops or federalized Guard members to polling places, which denies that such a deployment is planned. Mixed or conditional loses because the letter names no circumstance in which troops would be sent; it describes current plans.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Bobby CharlesRepublican nominee for governor of Maine Before this statement
Charles was speaking to a Maine Young Republicans chapter at an event in Arundel.
"I’m going to make an appeal for ICE and marshals to be at our voting booths"
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Maine's Republican nominee for governor, Bobby Charles, told supporters at an August 20 event that he would ask White House border czar Tom Homan to send federal agents to polling places. According to audio obtained by the Associated Press, he said, "I'm going to make an appeal for ICE and marshals to be at our voting booths".
After the statement
On August 26, Charles said state and local authorities should have an open line of communication with federal authorities to prevent violence, intimidation and illegality at a voting place, according to the Associated Press.
GOP nominee for Maine governor calls for ICE agents at state polling places · Associated PressAssociated Press report of audio from an Aug. 20 event in Arundel, Maine, published Aug. 26, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Charles called for ICE and U.S. marshals to be at voting booths, which argues for deploying federal agents at polling places. He holds no federal office, so this is recorded as a candidate's position rather than an administration position.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Eric SchmittU.S. senator from MissouriBefore this statement
Schmitt responded to Democrats' warnings about federal agents at voting sites.
"It’s a political game more than anything."
MinimizedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Schmitt dismissed Democratic warnings about federal agents at polls as politically manufactured alarm.
After the statement
NOTUS published the response on August 13; the interview date was not specified.
NOTUS interviews senators and Lepper about election deploymentsSlotkin quotation after the tabletop-exercise discussion; Schmitt's response to NOTUS; Final two paragraphs, Former Judge Advocates General Working GroupWhy this label?
He downplays the concern by dismissing it as political alarm.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Steven LepperRetired Air Force major general and former deputy judge advocate generalBefore this statement
Lepper discussed possible armed deployments during elections.
"It’s just a shameful situation"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Lepper criticizes Congress for leaving commanders to choose between rejecting unlawful election-deployment orders and obeying orders that could involve crimes.
After the statement
He warned that commanders could face unlawful orders and criticized congressional inaction.
NOTUS interviews senators and Lepper about election deploymentsSlotkin quotation after the tabletop-exercise discussion; Schmitt's response to NOTUS; Final two paragraphs, Former Judge Advocates General Working GroupWhy this label?
He condemns the prospective conduct and the risks it places on commanders.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Elissa SlotkinU.S. senator from MichiganBefore this statement
Slotkin described a scenario involving masked ICE agents surrounding voting sites.
"100% that’s intimidating"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Slotkin argues that visibly surrounding polls with masked ICE agents could deter voting even if agents never handle ballots or voting machines.
After the statement
NOTUS reported her comments on August 13; the interview date was not specified.
NOTUS interviews senators and Lepper about election deploymentsSlotkin quotation after the tabletop-exercise discussion; Schmitt's response to NOTUS; Final two paragraphs, Former Judge Advocates General Working GroupWhy this label?
She rejects the prospective deployment as voter intimidation.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Edward J. MarkeyU.S. senator, lead signer of a letter from 12 senatorsBefore this statement
The letter says that Blanche, days earlier at his confirmation hearing, repeatedly declined to assure Congress that the Justice Department would not deploy armed federal agents to polling places, and that Mullin testified in March that he might send armed federal law enforcement to the polls if there was a specific threat.
"Americans should never have to wonder whether the federal government intends to police the ballot box with armed agents. Yet that is precisely what the Trump administration appears to be considering, if not planning. … The Administration now has a choice. It can continue to fuel the appearance that it is laying the groundwork for an unprecedented federal intrusion into state-run elections, or it can finally provide Congress and the American people with the transparency they deserve."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) led a letter signed by 11 other Democratic and independent senators to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The letter says Americans "should never have to wonder whether the federal government intends to police the ballot box with armed agents" and that this "is precisely what the Trump administration appears to be considering, if not planning".
After the statement
The senators asked the three officials to answer in writing by August 11 whether any federal law enforcement officers or troops would be deployed to or near polling places or other election sites in November, who authorized discussions of such deployments, and to produce related records.
Letter to DHS and DoD on Federal Officers at Polling Places (Sen. Edward J. Markey and 11 colleagues, July 28, 2026)Letter dated July 28, 2026; closing passages in the paragraphs beginning "These belated disclosures" and "The Administration's own actions"Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. The letter says senior officials have repeatedly refused to rule out deploying federal law enforcement at polling places, that federal law bars it, and that the administration appears to be considering or planning it. That criticizes the stated or threatened use directly, so condemns fits better than mixed or conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Karime RodriguezLUCHA community-services organizer Before this statement
Rodriguez spoke during LUCHA's July 18 election-observer training in Tucson.
"because the point is fear"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Rodriguez says the possibility of ICE activity at voting sites could discourage eligible voters. She urges election observers to prepare rather than dismiss that risk.
After the statement
She urged observers to prepare for possible immigration enforcement near voting sites.
KJZZ reports on LUCHA's Tucson election-observer trainingRodriguez interview at LUCHA's Tucson training; Reporter account of Saturday's Tucson observer trainingWhy this label?
She rejects intimidation that could deter eligible voters.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Todd BlancheActing Attorney General, testifying at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearingBefore this statement
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said that federal law has made clear that the president does not have the authority to deploy armed federal officials to election sites, and asked whether Blanche would commit to following clear federal law and not deploying federal agents to polling locations.
"I will absolutely follow the law, no matter what it includes. … I'm not aware of armed agents being at polling places. … I'm not aware of that concern, but I will tell you we will follow the law, Senator."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
At his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Blanche was asked whether he would commit to following federal law and not deploying federal agents to polling locations. He said, "I will absolutely follow the law, no matter what it includes", and, asked whether he understood voters' concern about armed agents at polling places, said, "I'm not aware of that concern".
After the statement
Axios reported that Blanche declined to explicitly rule out deploying federal agents to polling places and said only that he would follow the law. PBS's description of the video says he did not specifically mention polling locations when saying he would follow the law.
WATCH: Blanche says he'll follow the law on deploying federal agents to polling placesPBS News clip of about 78 seconds from the July 15, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing; questions and answers on polling places in the first 48 secondsTodd Blanche won't rule out ICE, federal agents at polling places · AxiosReport published July 15, 2026 on Blanche's confirmation hearingWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Blanche committed to following the law without saying whether that means no federal agents at polling places, and said he was not aware of voters' concern. His answer depends on what the law requires, a condition he did not resolve, so mixed or conditional fits better than explicitly declines, since he did answer, and better than denies, since he did not rule out a deployment.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Amy KlobucharU.S. senator from Minnesota and co-sponsor of the Protect Our Polls ActBefore this statement
Sen. Elissa Slotkin's office said the Protect Our Polls Act, introduced on June 18, 2026 with seven Democratic co-sponsors, would further restrict the deployment of military forces and armed federal agents to polling places. It would require Congress to pass a joint resolution of approval before the president could send troops or federal law enforcement to election sites under the one exception to the existing ban.
"Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and the freedom to vote is fundamental Yet we continue to see unprecedented attacks on our democracy and on voting rights, as well as concerns that federal officers could be deployed to polling locations to intimidate voters. This legislation reiterates that those attempts at voter intimidation are unlawful and protects Americans’ constitutional right to vote."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a co-sponsor of the Protect Our Polls Act, said there are concerns that federal officers could be deployed to polling locations to intimidate voters, and that the bill reiterates that such attempts at voter intimidation are unlawful.
After the statement
The release says Slotkin has repeatedly asked Trump administration nominees about sending troops to polling places and that she questioned Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about sending ICE to the polls.
Slotkin Leads Purple State Senators on Bill to Stop Trump from Using Military or Federal Law Enforcement to Interfere with ElectionsPress release of June 18, 2026; each co-sponsor's words follow the bill summaryPadilla, Slotkin Lead Bill to Block Trump from Deploying Federal Law Enforcement at Polling PlacesPress release of June 18, 2026; Padilla's remarks are in the section headed "Transcript of Padilla's remarks"Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Klobuchar said there are concerns that federal officers could be deployed to polling locations to intimidate voters, and that the Protect Our Polls Act reiterates that such attempts at voter intimidation are unlawful. That rejects deploying federal officers to polling places for that purpose, so we labeled it Condemned rather than Mixed or conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Mark KellyU.S. senator from Arizona and co-sponsor of the Protect Our Polls ActBefore this statement
Sen. Elissa Slotkin's office said the Protect Our Polls Act, introduced on June 18, 2026 with seven Democratic co-sponsors, would further restrict the deployment of military forces and armed federal agents to polling places. It would require Congress to pass a joint resolution of approval before the president could send troops or federal law enforcement to election sites under the one exception to the existing ban.
"The idea that a president would send troops or armed agents to polling places to intimidate voters is un-American and illegal Federal law has protected polling places from military interference since the Civil War for a reason. President Trump has made clear he thinks he can ignore those limits. We’re making sure he can’t."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a co-sponsor of the Protect Our Polls Act, said the idea that a president would send troops or armed agents to polling places to intimidate voters is un-American and illegal. He said President Trump has made clear he thinks he can ignore the limits federal law sets.
After the statement
The release says Slotkin has repeatedly asked Trump administration nominees about sending troops to polling places and that she questioned Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about sending ICE to the polls.
Slotkin Leads Purple State Senators on Bill to Stop Trump from Using Military or Federal Law Enforcement to Interfere with ElectionsPress release of June 18, 2026; each co-sponsor's words follow the bill summaryPadilla, Slotkin Lead Bill to Block Trump from Deploying Federal Law Enforcement at Polling PlacesPress release of June 18, 2026; Padilla's remarks are in the section headed "Transcript of Padilla's remarks"Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Kelly said the idea that a president would send troops or armed agents to polling places to intimidate voters is un-American and illegal, and that President Trump has made clear he thinks he can ignore the legal limits. That expressly rejects the stated or threatened use, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Alex PadillaU.S. senator from California and Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration CommitteeBefore this statement
Padilla's office said the Protect Our Polls Act would strengthen existing federal law restricting the deployment of military forces and armed federal agents to polling places. It would require Congress to pass a joint resolution of approval before the president could send troops or federal law enforcement to election sites under any exception to the ban.
"There is no place at our polling sites for federal troops or federal law enforcement, including ICE. Their deployment to intimidate eligible voters is already against the law. They’re laying the groundwork to try to justify the presence of federal agents at polling places around the country."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), speaking as he and seven other Democratic senators introduced the Protect Our Polls Act, said there is no place at polling sites for federal troops or federal law enforcement, including ICE, and that deploying them to intimidate eligible voters is already against the law. He said that when Secretary Mullin and Secretary Hegseth are asked about sending federal troops to election sites, they leave the door open, and that they are laying the groundwork to try to justify the presence of federal agents at polling places around the country.
After the statement
In the same remarks, Padilla cited Steve Bannon's public remark about ICE surrounding the polls in November, said it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, and urged Congress to pass the bill.
Padilla, Slotkin Lead Bill to Block Trump from Deploying Federal Law Enforcement at Polling PlacesPress release of June 18, 2026; Padilla's remarks are in the section headed "Transcript of Padilla's remarks"Why this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Padilla said federal troops and federal law enforcement, including ICE, have no place at polling sites, that deploying them to intimidate eligible voters is already against the law, and that officials are laying the groundwork to justify federal agents at polling places. That expressly rejects the stated or threatened use, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Adam SchiffU.S. senator from CaliforniaBefore this statement
Schiff discussed preparations for protecting the 2026 midterm elections.
"could be used to intimidate voters and depress turnout"
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Schiff calls potential use of ICE or CBP to suppress voting a threat and says Senate Democrats are preparing responses.
After the statement
He described possible voter intimidation, not an announced ICE deployment.
Schiff's assessment of election-security scenariosSchiff's separately attributed quotationWhy this label?
He opposes using immigration agents to suppress voting.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Emma VigelandCo-host of The Majority Report, on her X accountBefore this statement
Vigeland posted this on X on May 27, 2026.
"Texas Democrats better be prepared for Abbott to welcome Trump and Stephen Miller's deployment of ICE Gestapo to polling stations to intimidate Latino Texans in November. They have already test-run this tactic, and they will have a fervent voter suppression ally in the governor."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Emma Vigeland warns that Gov. Greg Abbott may welcome a federal deployment of ICE to Texas polling stations to intimidate Latino voters in November.
After the statement
The quotation is the whole post.
Emma Vigeland's X post on ICE at Texas polling stations · Emma VigelandX post 2059648045587825027Why this label?
Relative to armed federal agents at or near polling places, Vigeland describes such a deployment as voter intimidation and suppression. That opposes it.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Javier SalazarSheriff of Bexar County, Texas Before this statement
On May 20, 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested a man in the parking lot of Las Palmas Branch Library, an early voting site in San Antonio for the runoff election. A DPS spokesperson said the man was wanted on an outstanding warrant, that troopers called in ICE for assistance, and that the stop had nothing to do with the election. At least one ICE agent was at the scene, according to a video posted to social media.
"I’ve gotten some assurances that federal authorities are not, in fact, targeting polling sites, as they should not"
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement that he had received assurances that federal authorities are not targeting polling sites, and that they should not. He also said sheriff's deputies are in charge of security at polling sites.
After the statement
Bexar County officials said in a statement that the man was not a voter and that the incident did not affect access to the polling site or disrupt voting operations. The Express-News reported that Salazar also said voters in Bexar County should not be worried about encountering federal agents at the polls. In the same statement, KSAT reported, Salazar said his understanding was that the incident was incidental to a traffic stop made by a DPS trooper.
Bexar County sheriff says ICE is not patrolling San Antonio polling sitesBody of the article, in the paragraphs after the account of the arrest, where Salazar's video statement is quotedDPS arrest outside West Side library brings ICE response, confusion to early votersSection headed 'Polling sites are safe', paragraphs quoting the statement Salazar sent on Wednesday afternoonWhy this label?
The reference point is the use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. Salazar said he had received assurances that federal authorities are not targeting polling sites, and added that they should not. The Express-News reported that he said federal immigration agents are not patrolling polling sites in the county. He was relaying assurances rather than speaking for a federal agency, and he did not criticize any federal action. We labeled it Denied because he tells voters the targeting is not happening.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Donald TrumpPresident of the United StatesBefore this statement
PBS News reporter Liz Landers asked Trump on Tuesday, May 12, about the possibility of federal agents at polling places during the November midterm elections.
"I'd do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections. We have to have honest elections."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Asked by a PBS News reporter whether he would send the National Guard or ICE to voting locations in November, Trump said, "I'd do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections".
After the statement
PBS News noted that DHS had told state officials earlier in the year that ICE agents would not be present at voting locations during the midterm elections. A reporter then asked whether he was not ruling that out, and his brief reply is hard to make out on the recording.
Post by PBS News (@NewsHour) on X, May 12, 2026: Trump on federal agents at polling placesComplete post 2054282657228279891 with video clip, 19:28 UTC on May 12, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Trump neither said agents would nor would not be sent to voting locations, and tied any action to doing "anything necessary" for honest elections. That express, unresolved condition fits mixed or conditional. Explicitly declines loses because he answered in general terms instead of refusing the question.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Todd LyonsSenior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementBefore this statement
The March 9 letter from nine secretaries of state had asked for confirmation that ICE officers and special agents will not be present at voting and election administration locations during the 2026 election.
"Therefore, there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places. ICE officers and special agents are sworn federal law enforcement officials that are responsible for enforcing violations of immigration and criminal laws. However, as the principal investigative component of DHS, ICE Homeland Security Investigations plays an important role in investigating voter fraud and will continue to perform this vital mission."
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a May 11 letter to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Todd M. Lyons wrote that "there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places" and added that ICE Homeland Security Investigations "will continue to perform this vital mission" of investigating voter fraud.
After the statement
The Colorado Secretary of State's office released the letter on May 27 and said it was dated more than a month after the April 8 response deadline the secretaries had requested.
Letter from Todd M. Lyons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, May 11, 2026 · U.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementOne-page letter dated May 11, 2026, third paragraphDHS Responds to Letter from Nine Secretaries of State, states "no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."News release of May 27, 2026, including Griswold's statementWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Lyons answered a request for confirmation that ICE would not be present by writing that there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places, which rejects the premise of a planned presence. Mixed or conditional loses because the added sentence concerns voter-fraud investigations, not a polling-place deployment.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Todd BlancheActing Attorney General
Before this statement
The interviewer told Blanche that he had recently expressed some support for deploying armed federal officers to polling locations and asked how that fit with the federal law that bars armed federal law enforcement at those locations.
"Well, that's not true. I have not said that. … So I also am not sure of the uproar of the risk of having a Border Patrol or an ICE agent at a polling location or looking into whether somebody is voting that shouldn't be. If you are here illegally, you cannot vote. And so what's the risk? … I was not talking about whether I'm supporting or not supporting it."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a NewsNation interview clip published May 6, 2026, Blanche was asked about remarks that the interviewer described as support for deploying armed federal officers to polling locations. He answered, "Well, that's not true. I have not said that", and said, "I also am not sure of the uproar of the risk of having a Border Patrol or an ICE agent at a polling location".
After the statement
When the interviewer asked whether he was in support of federal immigration officers checking the validity of someone's voting status, Blanche said he was not talking about whether he supported it. He said one way to find out whether someone is in the country illegally is immigration information and databases that the Border Patrol has.
Will ICE be at election polling locations? (NewsNation video)NewsNation clip of about 87 seconds published May 6, 2026, from an interview on Bradley on the BorderDHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sitesReport published Sept. 1, 2026 on Mullin's remarks, including its account of Blanche's interview remarks as acting attorney generalWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Blanche disputed the interviewer's description of his earlier remarks as support for deploying armed federal officers, said he was not talking about whether he supported it, and also asked what the risk is of a Border Patrol or ICE agent at a polling location. Those positions pull in different directions, so mixed or conditional fits better than challenges the characterization or defends or excuses.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Brennan Center for JusticePublisher of an explainer by Jasleen Singh and Kendall VerhovekBefore this statement
The explainer says Steve Bannon had said deploying ICE agents to airports is "perfect training for the fall of 2026," and that Markwayne Mullin said at his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security that ICE could be sent to polling places in the event of a "specific threat." It says the White House and a top DHS official had previously said there were no plans to send ICE agents to polling sites.
"Sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to the polls is illegal because federal law bans federal officers from interfering in elections. It’s also illegal because federal law bans troops and armed federal agents from being deployed anywhere an “election is held.” While that law was passed in 1865, surely in today’s elections, that means wherever votes are cast and counted, including, polling places, vote-counting facilities, and drop boxes. And any kind of voter intimidation, including by federal agents, is illegal under both federal and state law regardless of where it happens. ICE has no reason to be at or near the polls. ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has no role in enforcing election laws. Given ICE agents’ extreme actions in Minneapolis and elsewhere, even their presence at or near the polls can intimidate voters or anyone administering an election, which is illegal."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
The Brennan Center for Justice said in an explainer that sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to polling places is illegal under federal and state law, and that ICE has no reason to be at or near the polls. It said even their presence near polling places can intimidate voters or election administrators.
After the statement
The explainer also says state and local election officials have primary responsibility for the safety of polling places. It points to a Brennan Center model bill under which states could set criminal penalties for federal forces that interfere in elections or intimidate voters.
Sending ICE to Polling Places Is IllegalAnswers under the headings "Can the president send ICE agents to polling places?" and "Can ICE agents be near polling locations if they remain outside?"Why this label?
The case records responses to the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places. The Brennan Center said sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to the polls is illegal and that ICE has no reason to be at or near them. That expressly rejects the practice, so we labeled it Condemned.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Todd BlancheDeputy Attorney General
Before this statement
Blanche was speaking in an on-stage conversation at CPAC, and the discussion had turned to election integrity.
"Why is there objection to sending ICE officers to polling places? Illegals can't vote. It doesn't make any sense."
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche asked why there is objection to sending ICE officers to polling places and said, "Illegals can't vote. It doesn't make any sense".
After the statement
The Hill reported the remark on March 27, noting that DHS officials had given conflicting answers over whether ICE officers might be stationed at polling places.
WATCH: Deputy AG Todd Blanche Calls To Deploy ICE Agents To Polling Sites (Forbes Breaking News video) · ForbesCPAC 2026 conversation in Grapevine, Texas, March 26, 2026; about 1:40 to 1:55 of the clipBlanche: 'Why is there objection to sending ICE officers to polling places?' · The HillReport of Blanche's CPAC remarks, published March 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ETWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Blanche's rhetorical question argued that objections to sending ICE officers to polling places have no basis, which defends the idea. He described no conditions, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Tom HomanWhite House border czarDirectly involved
Before this statement
The Hill reported that Homan made the remarks amid inconsistent answers from the Trump administration about whether ICE officers would be sent to polling sites, and that Democrats had said they see any such move as an intimidation tactic.
"Are illegal aliens voting? I mean, bottom line is, what are they afraid of? And they say illegal aliens don’t vote. Well, look, you know, part of DHS’ job is secure elections, and I’m not going to say, you know, you know, what our plan is going forward, but if only U.S. citizens can vote, I don’t see the issue of what they’re concerned about"
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
On The Charlie Kirk Show, Homan was asked whether ICE would be at the polls. He asked, "what are they afraid of?", and said, "I'm not going to say, you know, you know, what our plan is going forward". He added that if only U.S. citizens can vote, "I don't see the issue of what they're concerned about".
After the statement
The Hill noted that in a recent call with secretaries of state, a DHS official had called plans of placing agents at polling sites misinformation, and that DHS officials in other congressional appearances had said there were no plans to do so at the time.
Homan on Democrats opposing ICE at voting sites: ‘What are they afraid of?’ · The HillReport published March 25, 2026 at 10:59 a.m. ET on Homan's Tuesday remarks on The Charlie Kirk ShowNow Trump Officials Are Choosing to Talk About ICE At the PollsTalking Points Memo evening briefing of March 26, 2026, section headed New Line Just LandedWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Homan neither said ICE would be at polling places nor ruled it out: he declined to say what the plan is and asked what Democrats are afraid of if only citizens vote. Defends or excuses loses because he did not argue for agents at polling places, and explicitly declines loses because he also argued there is nothing to be concerned about.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Markwayne MullinNominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, testifying at his Senate confirmation hearingDirectly involved
Before this statement
The hearing was Mullin's confirmation hearing to succeed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary. Slotkin had just asked who won the 2020 election and whether the federal government or the states run elections.
"The only reason why my officers would be there if there was a specific threat for them to be there, not for intimidation. … I don't understand what the concern about enforcing immigration at polling places is anyways, because honestly, if you're not a citizen, you shouldn't be voting anyway"
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Asked by Sen. Elissa Slotkin at his confirmation hearing whether he would have the authority to put uniformed officers at polling locations in 2026, Mullin said, "The only reason why my officers would be there if there was a specific threat for them to be there, not for intimidation". Responding to Sen. Andy Kim's remarks about polling sites, he said, "I don't understand what the concern about enforcing immigration at polling places is anyways".
After the statement
Slotkin responded that Americans trust local law enforcement more than they trust ICE and that putting armed ICE officers at polling locations would mean the country had lost the plot. Democracy Docket reported that Mullin also said he could not guarantee what threat might arise.
Confirmation Hearing for Homeland Security Security Nominee Markwayne Mullin (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANSenate confirmation hearing of March 18, 2026; Sen. Slotkin's questions and Mullin's answers, about 2:02:25 to 2:03:52, and Mullin's response to Sen. Kim, about 3:07:25 to 3:07:45Trump’s pick for DHS chief won’t rule out ICE at pollsReport of Mullin's March 18, 2026 confirmation hearing, paragraphs on the exchanges with Sens. Slotkin and KimWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Mullin, then a nominee, said his officers would be at a polling place only for a specific threat and did not rule out a presence, and said he did not understand the concern about immigration enforcement there. His position turns on an express condition, so mixed or conditional fits better than defends or excuses or minimizes.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jena GriswoldColorado Secretary of StateBefore this statement
Eight other secretaries of state signed the letter to then-nominee Markwayne Mullin. The release said it followed comments by former Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS staff.
"Trump and his administration have used ICE to terrorize and intimidate Americans. Immigration officials must not be used to intimidate voters … We are calling on the nominated Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to confirm in writing that there will not be an ICE presence near voting locations in the 2026 election cycle."
CondemnedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a news release announcing a letter from nine secretaries of state, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said, "Immigration officials must not be used to intimidate voters", and asked nominee Markwayne Mullin to "confirm in writing that there will not be an ICE presence near voting locations in the 2026 election cycle".
After the statement
On May 27, Griswold said she agreed there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places but remained concerned that agency leadership cannot provide an unequivocal answer.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold Leads Letter Seeking Confirmation of Homeland Security Policy on ICE at Polling LocationsNews release of March 9, 2026DHS Responds to Letter from Nine Secretaries of State, states "no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."News release of May 27, 2026, including Griswold's statementWhy this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Griswold said immigration officials must not be used to intimidate voters and asked for written confirmation of no ICE presence near voting locations, which expressly rejects the practice. She set no condition, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Kristi NoemSecretary of Homeland Security, testifying at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearingBefore this statement
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told Noem that Steve Bannon had recently said ICE should be deployed at the polls in the next election and asked whether she would rule out deploying ICE or CBP to polling places in November.
"There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations. … Okay, then there should be no need to, unless you plan on illegal aliens voting. … We have no plans to have ICE officers or law enforcement at polling locations."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Asked at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing whether she would rule out deploying ICE or CBP to polling places in November, Noem said, "There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations". Pressed to say it would not happen, she asked whether the senator planned on illegal aliens voting and said, "unless you plan on illegal aliens voting".
After the statement
Coons then asked whether she was familiar with the federal statute on sending armed men to polling places and whether she would issue a directive that ICE and CBP be nowhere near polling places this November. Noem said, "We have no plans to have ICE officers or law enforcement at polling locations".
Homeland Security Secretary Noem Testifies on Agency Oversight Hearing, Part 1 (C-SPAN video) · C-SPANSenate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing of March 3, 2026, Part 1; Sen. Coons's questions and Noem's answers on polling places, about 1:50:40 to 1:53:00Noem won’t rule out ICE agents at pollsReport of Noem's March 3, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee testimony, paragraphs on the exchanges with Sens. Coons and PadillaWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Noem said there are no plans to have ICE officers at polling locations but did not agree to rule it out, and tied the need for a presence to whether illegal aliens vote. A denial paired with that condition fits mixed or conditional better than denies, and explicitly declines loses because she did answer that there are no plans.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Heather HoneyDeputy Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Election Integrity Before this statement
The virtual meeting between federal agencies and state election officials was organized by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
"Any suggestion that ICE is going to be present at polling places is simply disinformation … There will be no ICE presence at polling locations for this election."
DeniedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
In a virtual meeting with state election officials, DHS deputy assistant secretary Heather Honey answered a question from California Secretary of State Shirley Weber by calling any suggestion that ICE will be at polling places "simply disinformation" and saying, "There will be no ICE presence at polling locations for this election". Votebeat reported the remarks from five people who listened to the call.
After the statement
Colorado's Secretary of State quoted Honey in a March 9 news release, in a slightly shorter form, and DHS did not immediately respond to Votebeat's request for comment.
ICE won't be at polling places in 2026 election, Trump administration official says · VotebeatReport of Honey's remarks in a Feb. 25 virtual meeting with state election officials, published Feb. 26, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Honey said that any suggestion of an ICE presence at polling places is disinformation and that there will be none, which denies the alleged plan. She attached no condition, so mixed or conditional does not fit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jason SmithChairman of the House Ways and Means CommitteeBefore this statement
A CNBC host listed Democratic demands in the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding, including a warrant requirement to enter private property, a ban on masks for agents and limits on enforcement at schools, hospitals and churches, and asked what the objection to them was.
"Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places? Because illegals aren't supposed to vote in this America."
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Asked on CNBC about Democratic demands in the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding, Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said, "Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places? Because illegals aren't supposed to vote in this America".
After the statement
Smith went on to say that Democrats do not like the rule of law and that if they do not like it they need to change it. The Hill reported the remark the same day, noting that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) had raised concern that ICE vans could be used to intimidate voters at polling stations.
Rep. Jason Smith on DHS funding: If Democrats don't like the rule of law, they need to change it · CNBCSquawk Box interview of Feb. 12, 2026; polling-place answer at about 6:05 to 6:30 of a 6:31 videoGOP rep: ‘Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places?’ · The HillReport published Feb. 12, 2026 at 1:17 p.m. ET on Smith's CNBC remarksWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Smith's rhetorical question argued that there is no reason to bar ICE from polling places because noncitizens are not supposed to vote. That defends allowing ICE at polling places, and he described no condition, so defends or excuses fits better than mixed or conditional.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
John BarrassoSenate majority whipBefore this statement
Barrasso spoke after the minority leader said Democrats would vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security. He listed Democratic demands that included a ban on immigration enforcement at what he called sensitive locations.
"Illegal immigrants should not be at polling places and certainly not illegal immigrant criminals. Now the Democrats want to add this to their list of sensitive locations. … Taken together, these conditions would materially slow immigration enforcement in this Nation. Polling locations would become a sanctuary location for illegal immigrant criminals--people allowed to roam free in our communities."
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
On the Senate floor during the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding, Barrasso said Democrats were demanding that polling places be added to a list of sensitive locations. He said, "Illegal immigrants should not be at polling places and certainly not illegal immigrant criminals", and that, taken together, the Democratic conditions mean "Polling locations would become a sanctuary location for illegal immigrant criminals".
After the statement
Barrasso said Republicans believe many of the Democratic demands would undermine public safety and the rule of law, and that Democrats should join Republicans in keeping the Department of Homeland Security fully funded.
Congressional Record, Senate, Feb. 12, 2026, pages S587-S593: Department of Homeland Security (remarks of Mr. Barrasso)Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30, page S590, Barrasso's remarks under the heading Department of Homeland SecurityWhy this label?
The reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE and other armed federal agents at or near polling places in the 2026 election. Barrasso opposed a proposed ban on immigration enforcement at polling places, arguing that with the other Democratic conditions it would make them a sanctuary for illegal immigrant criminals. He spoke of immigration enforcement generally and did not say ICE or armed agents would go to polling places, but he argued against barring enforcement there, which defends allowing it. Mixed or conditional loses because he described no condition under which agents would stay away.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Karoline LeavittWhite House press secretaryBefore this statement
A reporter quoted Steve Bannon's February 3 comment as saying ICE would be around the polls in November and asked whether the president was considering it.
"That's not something I've ever heard the president consider, no. … I can't guarantee that an ICE agent won't be around a polling location in November. I mean, that's frankly a very silly hypothetical question. But what I can tell you is I haven't heard the president discuss any formal plans to put ICE outside of polling locations. It's a disingenuous question."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
Asked at a White House briefing whether a comment by Steve Bannon that ICE would be around the polls was something the president was considering, Leavitt said, "That's not something I've ever heard the president consider, no". Asked whether she could guarantee ICE would not be around polling locations, she said she could not, and that she had not heard the president discuss any formal plans.
After the statement
On September 18, NPR reported that the White House said, in response to the NAACP lawsuit, that the president has not discussed plans for ICE to be at polling places.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 5, 2026 · The White HouseQuestions about Steve Bannon's remark and ICE at polling locations, about 31:43 to 32:08It's illegal for armed federal officers to be at polls. Lawsuits seek to ensure that · NPRDHS and White House responses to the NAACP suit and description of the LULAC and NAACP suits, published Sept. 18, 2026Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Leavitt denied hearing of any formal plan but refused to guarantee that an ICE agent would not be around a polling location. Those two positions together fit mixed or conditional better than a denial or a refusal to address the question.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Steve BannonHost of the War Room podcast and former White House strategistBefore this statement
Bannon had just said Democrats were calling this the greatest voter suppression movement in history.
"you're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November. We're not gonna sit here and allow you to steal the country again."
Defended or excusedCase context: Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
Full statement and sources
On his War Room show, Steve Bannon said, "you're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November" and "We're not gonna sit here and allow you to steal the country again".
After the statement
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about the remark at a briefing two days later.
Steve Bannon: 'You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November' · Media Matters for AmericaWar Room broadcast of Feb. 3, 2026, opening segmentSteve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms · The GuardianReport of Bannon's Feb. 3 War Room remarks, published Feb. 4, 2026Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 5, 2026 · The White HouseQuestions about Steve Bannon's remark and ICE at polling locations, about 31:43 to 32:08Why this label?
The fixed reference point is the administration's stated or threatened use of ICE at or near polling places. Bannon said ICE would surround the polls and tied it to preventing an alleged stolen election, which argues for the practice. He holds no government role, so this is recorded as commentary rather than an administration position.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(93)
Original video
Homeland Security Secretary Mullin on ICE Enforcement Operations in New York (C-SPAN video)
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin answers a question about ICE and polling places at a Sept. 1, 2026 news conference in New York City.
Excerpt from about 29:12 to 30:33 of the department's video of the news conference. The C-SPAN recording cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: News conference of Sept. 1, 2026; reporter's question and Mullin's answer on polling places, about 20:28 to 21:50)
Excerpt
"The only reason why we would be at polling places if there is a threat to that polling place or we're serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down."
About this source
C-SPAN's recording of Secretary Mullin's news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York field office about ICE enforcement operations in New York. The polling-place answer responds to a reporter's question that referred to his Senate confirmation testimony. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- Markwayne Mullin
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
U.S. has no plans to send troops to the polls in November, Gen. Caine says
Relevant passage: Article, full text
About this source
Associated Press report, published by PBS News, on Caine's letter to Slotkin, which the AP obtained on August 31. It quotes the letter and Slotkin's press secretary on Hegseth's response.
- Author
- Ben Finley, Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Letter from Gen. Dan Caine to Sen. Elissa Slotkin on the Armed Forces and the 2026 midterm elections
Relevant passage: One-page letter, fourth paragraph
About this source
Undated one-page letter from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff replying to Sen. Elissa Slotkin's August 18, 2026 letter about the military's role in the midterm elections. Reuters reported, citing an official, that it was received August 28. Slotkin's office posted it on her Senate website.
- Author
- J. Daniel Caine
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
The Phantom Voter-Intimidation Threat
Relevant passage: Newsletter, opening and section 'Ballot-Box Scare Tactics'
About this source
Jim Geraghty's Morning Jolt newsletter for National Review, arguing that fears of federal or local interference at polling places have so far proved unfounded, while criticizing remarks by Steve Bannon and President Trump.
- Author
- Jim Geraghty
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump admin says it won't send FBI or ICE agents to enforce laws at polling sites after DOJ boasted of plan to send 1,000 'election monitors'
Relevant passage: Article, full text
About this source
Law&Crime report, republished by Yahoo News, on the October 28 DOJ declaration filed in the NAACP's records lawsuit.
- Author
- Conrad Hoyt
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DOJ Says It Won't Deploy FBI, ICE Agents as Poll Monitors
Relevant passage: Article, full text
About this source
Newsweek report on the October 28 DOJ declaration about who will serve as election monitors, with a statement from a DOJ spokesperson.
- Author
- Billal Rahman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Scripps News: Border Patrol agents spotted near Florida polling site were there to vote
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Scripps News reports Leon County's update on why CBP vehicles stopped at an early voting site, and CBP's statements on that stop and on a Key Largo arrest next to a polling location.
- Author
- Patrick Terpstra and Brittany Freeman
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
CBS Miami: federal agents reported near early voting sites in two Florida counties
Relevant passage: Full article, updated October 22, 2026
About this source
CBS Miami reports that the Leon and Monroe County election supervisors contacted the FBI after federal agents were seen at or near early voting sites, and quotes Leon County Supervisor Mark Earley's statement.
- Author
- CBS News Miami and the News Service of Florida
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Attorney General Schwalb issues advisory on protecting District residents' right to vote
Relevant passage: Voter advisory FAQ: Can federal officials send armed ICE agents to polls?
About this source
The D.C. attorney general's know-your-rights advisory answers questions about poll monitoring, federal law enforcement and voter intimidation in the District.
- Author
- Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers that federal agents cannot police the polls
Relevant passage: Press release, October 27, 2026
About this source
The New York attorney general's release says troops and armed federal officers, including ICE, CBP and FBI agents, are not allowed at polling places under state and federal law, and lists voters' rights at poll sites.
- Author
- Office of the New York State Attorney General
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Votebeat publishes follow-up survey of election experts
Relevant passage: Methodology and physical disruption at the polls section
About this source
The non-scientific survey of 31 experts ran August 27 to September 21. Its estimates describe respondents' expectations, not evidence that a deployment is planned.
- Author
- Nathaniel Rakich
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Nunn argues emergency powers do not override the ban on troops at polls
Relevant passage: Statutory interpretation and final paragraphs
About this source
Nunn argues that Section 592 bars deployments even during an emergency, apart from its narrow armed-enemies exception. This is legal analysis, not a decision in the pending election lawsuits.
- Author
- Joseph Nunn
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Wisconsin officials debate federal agents observing at polling places
Relevant passage: Gault email, Sharpe response and Levitt and Trueblood interviews
About this source
Original interviews distinguish armed federal personnel from unarmed observers. The report describes guidance finalized October 15; later syndicated versions are not separate reporting.
- Author
- Alexander Shur
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
US: Order No ICE Zones during Election Period
Relevant passage: Concluding statement by executive director Philippe Bolopion
About this source
HRW urges a public prohibition on immigration enforcement near voting sites and argues that qualified assurances do not resolve intimidation risks.
- Author
- Human Rights Watch
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
NAACP v. DHS: order granting part of expedited discovery request
Relevant passage: Document 41, pages 5-10
About this source
Judge Loren AliKhan grants three document requests and denies the others. The order is dated October 21.
- Author
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Arlington County complaint against DHS and other federal defendants
Relevant passage: Complaint and requested declaratory and injunctive relief
About this source
The county alleges federal policies violate election protections and interfere with local administration.
- Author
- Arlington County
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Arlington County Board sues to block armed federal agents at polling places
Relevant passage: Announcement of the complaint
About this source
Arlington republishes counsel's release after filing its complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Author
- Arlington County
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Governor Newsom signs laws addressing election interference
Relevant passage: SB884 and SB1418 in the signed package
About this source
The governor's announcement lists changes to activities near polling locations and protection of election materials.
- Author
- Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
- Published
- Accessed
Archived source
Rhode Island H7434 legislative history and text
Relevant passage: Actions: signed by governor June 22, 2026
About this source
BillTrack50 reproduces the companion bill history and links the state text.
- Author
- BillTrack50
- Published
- Accessed
Archived source
Rhode Island S3339 legislative history and text
Relevant passage: Passed status: signed by governor June 22, 2026
About this source
LegiScan reproduces the state bill history and links the original legislation.
- Author
- LegiScan
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
New Rhode Island law keeps ICE agents away from polling places
Relevant passage: Ceremonial signing and description of the enacted law
About this source
The legislature describes the 200-foot restriction and its voting exception. The July ceremony followed enactment in June.
- Author
- Rhode Island General Assembly
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Connecticut Public Act 26-42, Section 57
Relevant passage: Section 57, pages 86-92; approval endorsement, page 112
About this source
The act was approved May 15. Section 57 sets election-site restrictions, exceptions and enforcement provisions, effective July 1.
- Author
- Connecticut General Assembly
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Emma Vigeland's X post on ICE at Texas polling stations
About this source
Emma Vigeland posted this on X on May 27, 2026.
- Author
- Emma Vigeland
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Polling-place plaintiffs and counsel issue joint statement on expanded lawsuit
Relevant passage: October 7 release; three paragraphs of joint statement following the list of plaintiffs
About this source
Joint statement issued by the plaintiffs and counsel, including Common Cause. It asks the court to protect voters from intimidation and fear of armed federal agents.
- Author
- Plaintiffs and co-counsel in LULAC v. DHS
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
LULAC v. DHS: October 9 order requesting positions on consolidation
Relevant passage: October 9, 2026 minute order, entry 481135834
About this source
The order requests a joint report on possible consolidation by October 16. It does not consolidate the cases or decide the requested relief.
- Author
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Loren L. AliKhan
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
LULAC v. DHS: first amended complaint, October 7, 2026
Relevant passage: Document 22, filed October 7, 2026; caption, paragraphs 8-20, and Counts III and V (pages 61-65)
About this source
Filed complaint adding Hennepin County and federal defendants, and a Voting Rights Act claim. Its accounts of policy and intimidation are the plaintiffs' allegations.
- Author
- Plaintiffs in LULAC v. DHS, through counsel
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
KJZZ reports on LUCHA's Tucson election-observer training
Relevant passage: Rodriguez interview at LUCHA's Tucson training; Reporter account of Saturday's Tucson observer training
About this source
Reporting includes attributed statements and a chronology of the events.
- Author
- Karime Rodriguez
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
NOTUS interviews senators and Lepper about election deployments
Relevant passage: Slotkin quotation after the tabletop-exercise discussion; Schmitt's response to NOTUS; Final two paragraphs, Former Judge Advocates General Working Group
About this source
The issuing person or organization explains its position and the actions it took.
- Author
- Elissa Slotkin; Eric Schmitt; Steven Lepper
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Schiff's assessment of election-security scenarios
Relevant passage: Schiff's separately attributed quotation
About this source
The issuing person or organization explains its position and the actions it took.
- Author
- Adam Schiff
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Padilla's proposal to prohibit election-site deployments
Relevant passage: Opening amendment announcement and paragraph describing the amendment offered on the Senate floor
About this source
The issuing person or organization explains its position and the actions it took.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
‘Fine with me’: GOP Senate candidate Mike Collins backs federal troops at polls
Relevant passage: Second and third paragraphs of the article, published September 27, 2026
Excerpt
"The last thing we want is for people to not have confidence in the elections and not show up, so if that’s something that they decide they need to look at, then that’s fine with me"
About this source
Democracy Docket report on remarks Rep. Mike Collins made on Sunday, September 27, 2026, answering a journalist's question about federal troops at polling places. It quotes his answer. The article's printed quotation differs slightly from the audio in the video.
- Author
- Brentin Mock
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Aaron Rupar post of Rep. Mike Collins's answer on federal troops at polling places
Rep. Mike Collins answers a reporter's question about federal troops at polling places, at a campaign event with Sen. John Thune, Sept. 27, 2026.
DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: LiveNOW from FOX (posted on X by @atrupar). Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Video clip of about 35 seconds, posted September 27, 2026 at 15:25 UTC; the answer runs from about 0:15 to 0:32)
Excerpt
"The last thing we want is for people to not have confidence in their elections and not show up."
About this source
Post by journalist Aaron Rupar with a video clip of about 35 seconds from a Fox broadcast in which Rep. Mike Collins answers a question about federal troops at sites in some precinct areas at an event with Sen. John Thune. The quotation here is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- Aaron Rupar
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Democrats Demand DHS Secretary Mullin Follow – and Learn – Federal Law on Elections and Deploying to Polling Sites
Relevant passage: Correspondence release of September 4, 2026
Excerpt
"There has yet been no legal rationale provided by the Secretary or DHS for the deployment of Federal law enforcement to polling sites."
About this source
House Homeland Security Committee Democrats' release announcing the September 4 letter to Secretary Mullin, with excerpts from the letter and a link to it.
- Author
- House Committee on Homeland Security Democrats
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Letter from House Homeland Security Committee Democrats to Secretary Mullin on DHS election activity
Relevant passage: Six-page letter dated September 4, 2026; the opposition to deployment is in the second paragraph on page 1 and the demand to make clear that no DHS law enforcement will be deployed is on page 2
Excerpt
"we write today to express our strongest opposition to any plans the Department may have to deploy its law enforcement officers to polling places during the 2026 midterm elections"
About this source
Letter from Rep. Bennie Thompson and 14 other Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about deploying DHS law enforcement to polling places, DHS voter-fraud investigations and a planned voter database.
- Author
- Rep. Bennie G. Thompson and Democratic members of the House Committee on Homeland Security
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Letter from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi to Secretary Mullin on ICE and CBP at polling places
Relevant passage: Four-page letter dated September 4, 2026; the passages quoted are on pages 1 and 3, and the requests are on page 3
Excerpt
"The Department cannot simultaneously maintain, on one hand, that ICE has “no reason” to be near a polling place, and on the other, that its Special Response Teams stand ready to deploy there."
About this source
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin asking for a definitive DHS policy on deploying ICE, CBP or other personnel to polling places, and for related records.
- Author
- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Krishnamoorthi Sounds Alarm as Trump Administration Continues to Threaten to Deploy Armed Federal Agents to Polling Places
Relevant passage: Press release of September 4, 2026; passages from the letter appear after "In the letter, Krishnamoorthi writes" and "Krishnamoorthi writes"
Excerpt
"The presence of armed federal agents at or near a polling location—even when ostensibly responding to a separate law-enforcement matter—could create confusion, fear, or intimidation and could discourage eligible voters from exercising their constitutional right to vote."
About this source
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's press release announcing his letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about ICE, CBP and other armed federal agents at polling places, with quoted passages from the letter.
- Author
- Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's office
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Slotkin Leads Purple State Senators on Bill to Stop Trump from Using Military or Federal Law Enforcement to Interfere with Elections
Relevant passage: Press release of June 18, 2026; each co-sponsor's words follow the bill summary
Excerpt
"The idea that a president would send troops or armed agents to polling places to intimidate voters is un-American and illegal"
About this source
Sen. Elissa Slotkin's press release announcing the Protect Our Polls Act, which she introduced with seven Democratic senators. It summarizes the bill and quotes each co-sponsor.
- Author
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin's office
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Padilla, Slotkin Lead Bill to Block Trump from Deploying Federal Law Enforcement at Polling Places
Relevant passage: Press release of June 18, 2026; Padilla's remarks are in the section headed "Transcript of Padilla's remarks"
Excerpt
"There is no place at our polling sites for federal troops or federal law enforcement, including ICE. Their deployment to intimidate eligible voters is already against the law."
About this source
Sen. Alex Padilla's press release announcing the Protect Our Polls Act, which eight Democratic senators introduced. It summarizes the bill, quotes the co-sponsors and includes a transcript of Padilla's remarks.
- Author
- Sen. Alex Padilla's office
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DPS arrest outside West Side library brings ICE response, confusion to early voters
Relevant passage: Section headed 'Polling sites are safe', paragraphs quoting the statement Salazar sent on Wednesday afternoon
Excerpt
"“I want to assure everybody that polling sites are safe and secure,” Salazar said. “I’ve gotten some assurances that federal authorities are not, in fact, targeting polling sites — as they should not. My understanding is that this morning (Wednesday)’s incident was incidental to a traffic stop made by a DPS trooper.”"
About this source
KSAT report, published May 20, 2026, on a Texas Department of Public Safety traffic stop outside Las Palmas Branch Library, an early voting site in San Antonio, and the response by ICE officers. It quotes a statement Sheriff Javier Salazar sent that afternoon and a statement from Bexar County officials.
- Author
- Nate Kotisso, Erica Hernandez, Misael Gomez, Alex Gamez, Rocky Garza and Sandra Ibarra
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Bexar County sheriff says ICE is not patrolling San Antonio polling sites
Relevant passage: Body of the article, in the paragraphs after the account of the arrest, where Salazar's video statement is quoted
Excerpt
"“I’ve gotten some assurances that federal authorities are not, in fact, targeting polling sites, as they should not,” Salazar said in a video statement."
About this source
San Antonio Express-News report, published May 20, 2026, on Sheriff Javier Salazar's statement after Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested a man outside an early voting site in San Antonio with an ICE agent present.
- Published
- Accessed
Analysis
Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal
Relevant passage: Answers under the headings "Can the president send ICE agents to polling places?" and "Can ICE agents be near polling locations if they remain outside?"
Excerpt
"Sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to the polls is illegal because federal law bans federal officers from interfering in elections."
About this source
Question-and-answer explainer published by the Brennan Center for Justice on March 31, 2026 and updated in July 2026. It addresses whether ICE or other armed federal agents may be sent to or near polling places.
- Author
- Jasleen Singh and Kendall Verhovek
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling Places
Relevant passage: Sixth paragraph of the release, the quotation attributed to Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomon
Excerpt
"Putting armed officers in polling places is a tactic used by dictators"
About this source
Common Cause news release dated September 10, 2026, announcing the federal lawsuit filed by LULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS and the city and county of Denver over armed ICE officers at polling places. It quotes leaders of the plaintiff organizations and Denver officials.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
States prep for ICE agents to be at polls, just in case
Relevant passage: Report published Sept. 17, 2026; What they're saying section
Excerpt
"“If the Trump administration were to go down that path, the individuals involved would be committing crimes,” Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said"
About this source
Axios report on how state election officials are preparing for the possibility of ICE agents at polling places. It quotes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read and a Michigan deputy secretary of state, and includes a DHS spokesperson's statement.
- Author
- Brittany Gibson
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Collins opposes illegal plan to put ICE agents at Maine polls this fall
Relevant passage: Report published Aug. 31, 2026 at 10:56 p.m.
Excerpt
"“To have ICE present at the polls I think would intimidate a lot of legitimate American voters. I just think it would make them very uncomfortable,” Collins said."
About this source
WGME report on Sen. Susan Collins's remarks opposing ICE at Maine polling places. It also reports the Charles campaign's explanation of his remarks, a DHS statement that it has no plans to place ICE agents at polling locations, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows's view that federal law bans armed agents there.
- Author
- WGME staff
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Susan Collins says she doesn’t ‘see the need’ for ICE at polling places
Relevant passage: Report published Aug. 31, 2026 on Collins's remarks to reporters at a Biddeford business
Excerpt
"“To have ICE presence at polls, I think would intimidate a lot of legitimate American voters,” Collins said. “I just think it would make them very uncomfortable.”"
About this source
Bangor Daily News report that Sen. Susan Collins said she disagrees with Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles' plan to invite ICE agents to Maine's polls. It quotes Collins and Charles. The Bangor Daily News and WGME print the first sentence of Collins's remark with slightly different wording.
- Author
- Ethan Andrews
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Tammy Baldwin bill bans ICE agents, National Guard from polling places
Relevant passage: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report updated Sept. 23, 2026, opening paragraph
Excerpt
"Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is introducing a bill to bar the federal government from sending U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the National Guard to polling sites after President Donald Trump didn't rule it out earlier this year."
About this source
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report on Baldwin's bill. We could read only its opening paragraph, which describes the bill and says it follows President Trump not ruling out such deployments earlier this year.
- Author
- Valerie Yurk
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Senator Baldwin Introduces New Bill to Stop Trump from Sending ICE, National Guard to Polls
Relevant passage: Press release of September 23, 2026
Excerpt
"There is no reason for masked, armed agents to be at polling places like churches, schools, and libraries other than to intimidate eligible voters from making their voices heard."
About this source
Sen. Tammy Baldwin's press release announcing the Safe Access to the Polls Act. It describes the bill's limits on federal funds for sending ICE, CBP or the National Guard to polling places and quotes Baldwin.
- Author
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin's office
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Markey, Leader Schumer, Ranking Member Peters, Colleagues Raise Alarm About Trump’s Threats to Send Armed Federal Agents to Polling Sites to Intimidate Voters During November Elections
Relevant passage: Press release of July 28, 2026
Excerpt
"Americans should never have to wonder whether the federal government intends to police the ballot box with armed agents."
About this source
Sen. Edward Markey's press release announcing the letter. It says he led 11 colleagues and lists the signers, quotes passages of the letter and lists the three questions the senators asked.
- Author
- Sen. Edward J. Markey's office
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Letter to DHS and DoD on Federal Officers at Polling Places (Sen. Edward J. Markey and 11 colleagues, July 28, 2026)
Relevant passage: Letter dated July 28, 2026; closing passages in the paragraphs beginning "These belated disclosures" and "The Administration's own actions"
Excerpt
"Americans should never have to wonder whether the federal government intends to police the ballot box with armed agents."
About this source
Letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Secretary Pete Hegseth signed by twelve senators. It says senior officials have repeatedly refused to rule out deploying federal law enforcement officers at polling places, cites Blanche's confirmation hearing and Mullin's March testimony, and asks for written answers by August 11, 2026.
- Author
- Sen. Edward J. Markey and 11 Senate colleagues
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
A second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling places
Relevant passage: Government Executive's republication of a States Newsroom report, dated Sept. 21, 2026
Excerpt
"“The DOJ has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations,” a DOJ spokesperson said in a statement to States Newsroom."
About this source
Report on the September 18 lawsuit by a coalition of civil rights and labor groups. It carries the same Justice Department statement, given to States Newsroom, and a DHS statement that ICE was not planning operations targeting polling locations.
- Author
- Ariana Figueroa
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump administration sued over threat to deploy federal law enforcement at voting sites
Relevant passage: Report published Sept. 18, 2026 on the NAACP-led suit, including the Justice Department, DHS, FBI and White House responses
Excerpt
"Kiersten Pels, a justice department spokesperson, said in a statement: “The DOJ has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations. Any suggestion otherwise is fearmongering.”"
About this source
The Guardian's report on the September 18 lawsuit. It names the Justice Department spokesperson who gave the statement and reports that DHS denied ICE was planning operations targeting polling locations, that the FBI declined to comment and that ICE referred questions to DHS.
- Author
- Ariana Baio
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Congressional Record, Senate, Feb. 12, 2026, pages S587-S593: Department of Homeland Security (remarks of Mr. Barrasso)
Relevant passage: Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30, page S590, Barrasso's remarks under the heading Department of Homeland Security
Excerpt
"Illegal immigrants should not be at polling places and certainly not illegal immigrant criminals."
About this source
Official Senate record of Sen. John Barrasso's floor remarks on February 12, 2026, after the minority leader said Democrats would vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security. Barrasso lists Democratic demands, including a ban on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations that would include polling places.
- Author
- John Barrasso
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
GOP rep: ‘Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places?’
Relevant passage: Report published Feb. 12, 2026 at 1:17 p.m. ET on Smith's CNBC remarks
Excerpt
"“Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places? Because illegals aren’t supposed to vote in this America,” Smith said"
About this source
The Hill's report of Rep. Jason Smith's remark on CNBC's Squawk Box. It also reports Sen. Mark Warner's concern that ICE vans could be used to intimidate voters at polling stations.
- Author
- Ashleigh Fields
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Rep. Jason Smith on DHS funding: If Democrats don't like the rule of law, they need to change it
Rep. Jason Smith answers a question about ICE at polling places on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Feb. 12, 2026.
Excerpt from 5:55 to 6:31 of the CNBC video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: CNBC. Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Squawk Box interview of Feb. 12, 2026; polling-place answer at about 6:05 to 6:30 of a 6:31 video)
Excerpt
"Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places? Because illegals aren't supposed to vote in this America."
About this source
CNBC's Squawk Box interview with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith about the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding. A host lists Democratic demands and asks what the objection to them is. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- CNBC
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Now Trump Officials Are Choosing to Talk About ICE At the Polls
Relevant passage: Talking Points Memo evening briefing of March 26, 2026, section headed New Line Just Landed
Excerpt
"“Are illegal aliens voting?” Homan said on the Charlie Kirk Show this week when asked whether ICE would be at the polls."
About this source
Talking Points Memo's briefing on Homan's remarks on The Charlie Kirk Show. It quotes Homan in the same words as The Hill and says he was asked whether ICE would be at the polls. It also reports Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's CPAC remarks the same week.
- Author
- Nicole LaFond
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Homan on Democrats opposing ICE at voting sites: ‘What are they afraid of?’
Relevant passage: Report published March 25, 2026 at 10:59 a.m. ET on Homan's Tuesday remarks on The Charlie Kirk Show
Excerpt
"“Are illegal aliens voting? I mean, bottom line is, what are they afraid of?”"
About this source
The Hill's report that Homan, on The Charlie Kirk Show, did not rule out the presence of immigration enforcement at polling places. It gives the full quotation and notes that DHS officials had given conflicting answers on whether ICE officers might be stationed at polling places.
- Author
- Rebecca Beitsch
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Todd Blanche won't rule out ICE, federal agents at polling places
Relevant passage: Report published July 15, 2026 on Blanche's confirmation hearing
Excerpt
"Blanche replied that he would "commit to following the law … no matter what it includes.""
About this source
Axios's report of the exchange between Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on polling places at the July 15 confirmation hearing. It says Blanche declined to explicitly rule out deploying federal agents to polling places and said only that he would follow the law.
- Author
- Josephine Walker
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
WATCH: Blanche says he'll follow the law on deploying federal agents to polling places
Todd Blanche answers questions about federal agents at polling places, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, July 15, 2026.
Excerpt from 1:38:41 to 1:39:31 of the Senate Judiciary Committee recording. Cut from the Senate Judiciary Committee's own recording of the hearing. The PBS NewsHour YouTube clip cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: PBS News clip of about 78 seconds from the July 15, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing; questions and answers on polling places in the first 48 seconds)
Excerpt
"I will absolutely follow the law, no matter what it includes."
About this source
PBS News clip of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche answering a senator's questions at his confirmation hearing about deploying federal agents to polling locations. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- PBS News
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites
Relevant passage: Report published Sept. 1, 2026 on Mullin's remarks, including its account of Blanche's interview remarks as acting attorney general
Excerpt
"“I am not sure of the uproar of the risk of having a Border Patrol or an ICE agent at a polling location,” Blanche said."
About this source
Democracy Docket's report on Secretary Markwayne Mullin's September 1 remarks. It recounts Blanche's interview remarks while acting attorney general and quotes him asking what the risk is. Its quotation is shorter than, and slightly different from, the words heard in the NewsNation video.
- Author
- Democracy Docket
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Will ICE be at election polling locations? (NewsNation video)
Excerpt
"Well, that's not true. I have not said that."
About this source
NewsNation's clip from an interview with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about deploying ICE at polling locations. The interviewer says Blanche recently expressed some support for deploying armed federal officers there and asks how that fits with the federal law that bars armed federal law enforcement at such locations. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- NewsNation
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Trump’s pick for DHS chief won’t rule out ICE at polls
Relevant passage: Report of Mullin's March 18, 2026 confirmation hearing, paragraphs on the exchanges with Sens. Slotkin and Kim
Excerpt
"“The only reason why my officers would be there is if there was a specific threat for them to be there, not for intimidation,” Mullin said"
About this source
Democracy Docket's report of Mullin's answers to Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Andy Kim on polling places. It quotes Mullin as saying he could not guarantee hypothetically what threat might be there or not. Its wording of the quotations differs slightly from the words heard in the video.
- Author
- Natalie Hausmann
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Confirmation Hearing for Homeland Security Security Nominee Markwayne Mullin (C-SPAN video)
Sen. Elissa Slotkin's questions and Markwayne Mullin's answers on officers at polling places, followed by Mullin's reply to Sen. Andy Kim, at Mullin's Mar. 18, 2026 confirmation hearing for Secretary of Homeland Security.
Two excerpts joined by a one-second black gap: about 2:12:41 to 2:14:13 and 3:17:18 to 3:18:02 of the committee's archived video of the hearing. The C-SPAN recording cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Senate confirmation hearing of March 18, 2026; Sen. Slotkin's questions and Mullin's answers, about 2:02:25 to 2:03:52, and Mullin's response to Sen. Kim, about 3:07:25 to 3:07:45)
Excerpt
"The only reason why my officers would be there if there was a specific threat for them to be there, not for intimidation."
About this source
C-SPAN's recording of the confirmation hearing for Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Trump's nominee to succeed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary. Sen. Elissa Slotkin asks whether he would have authority to put uniformed officers at polling locations in 2026, and Sen. Andy Kim raises concerns about enforcement in and around hospitals, schools, churches and polling sites. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- C-SPAN
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Noem won’t rule out ICE agents at polls
Relevant passage: Report of Noem's March 3, 2026 Senate Judiciary Committee testimony, paragraphs on the exchanges with Sens. Coons and Padilla
Excerpt
"Noem said, “There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations.”"
About this source
Democracy Docket's report of Noem's answers to Sens. Chris Coons and Alex Padilla at the March 3 hearing. It says Noem did not explicitly rule out a deployment and quotes her asking Coons whether he planned on illegal aliens voting. It names Coons as the senator who asked the question.
- Author
- Democracy Docket
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Homeland Security Secretary Noem Testifies on Agency Oversight Hearing, Part 1 (C-SPAN video)
Sen. Chris Coons asks Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem whether ICE and CBP will be kept away from polling places, at the Senate Judiciary Committee's Mar. 3, 2026 oversight hearing.
Excerpt from about 2:06:14 to 2:08:19 of the Senate Judiciary Committee's archived video of the hearing. The C-SPAN recording cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing of March 3, 2026, Part 1; Sen. Coons's questions and Noem's answers on polling places, about 1:50:40 to 1:53:00)
Excerpt
"There are no plans to have ICE officers at our polling locations."
About this source
C-SPAN's recording of Secretary Kristi Noem's oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the polling-place exchange, Sen. Chris Coons notes that Steve Bannon had recently said ICE should be deployed at the polls and asks whether she will rule out deploying ICE or CBP to polling places in November. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- C-SPAN
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
FBI Director Patel Testifies at Oversight Hearing (C-SPAN video)
Sen. Richard Blumenthal asks FBI Director Kash Patel to commit that FBI agents will not be sent to the polls on Election Day, at the Senate Judiciary Committee's Sept. 15, 2026 FBI oversight hearing.
Excerpt from about 2:17:29 to 2:19:15 of the Senate Judiciary Committee's archived video of the hearing. The C-SPAN recording cited for this source shows the same exchange. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Senate Judiciary Committee hearing of Sept. 15, 2026; exchange on FBI agents at the polls, about 1:59:30 to 2:00:40)
Excerpt
"I'm telling you we're going to house our agents and intel analysts in our field offices for election security."
About this source
C-SPAN's recording of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Sept. 15, 2026 oversight hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel. The quoted words in the exchange on FBI agents at the polls were transcribed from the recording.
- Author
- Kash Patel
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Election Worker Says Federal Officers Confronted Her at Polls over Social Media Post Criticizing ICE
Relevant passage: Report of the June 23, 2026 encounter at a Syracuse, New York polling place, published June 26, 2026
Excerpt
"did not disrupt voting and was not related to the election process"
About this source
Associated Press report. It includes a DHS spokesperson's statement that the poll worker had committed a federal crime by posting an ICE officer's address online, a statement from the New York State Board of Elections, and comments from the poll worker, a colleague and a Brennan Center director.
- Author
- Patrick Whittle
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE conducts enforcement action at San Antonio voting location, witnesses say
Relevant passage: Report of the May 20, 2026 incident at the Las Palmas Branch Library voting location
Excerpt
"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarmed a vehicle in the parking lot of a West Side voting location Wednesday morning, according to eyewitnesses."
About this source
Local report based on eyewitness accounts. The Current said it had not received a response from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, ICE's San Antonio Field Office or Texas DPS. Witnesses said they saw no sign that the agents approached or questioned anyone there to vote.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Complaint, DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 23, 2026), ECF 1
Relevant passage: ECF 1, introduction, Counts I and II and prayer for relief
Excerpt
"In our democracy, the polling booth is meant to be “an island of calm in which voters can peacefully contemplate their choices.”"
About this source
The plaintiffs' complaint. It names ICE, acting ICE director David Venturella, DHS, Secretary Mullin, the FBI and FBI Director Patel, and asserts claims under the Administrative Procedure Act and the Voting Rights Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Complaint, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 18, 2026), ECF 1
Relevant passage: ECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 14 and 99 to 113, and Count I
Excerpt
"the federal government has claimed authority to station armed federal agents to unlawfully operate in the vicinity of voting locations."
About this source
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges that statements and actions by federal officials about armed agents near polling places violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, and cites statements by Trump, Mullin, Homan, Blanche, Patel and others. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Complaint, League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C. filed Sept. 10, 2026), ECF 1
Relevant passage: ECF 1, paragraphs 1 to 11 and 40 to 61, Counts I to III and prayer for relief
Excerpt
"Markwayne Mullin confirmed and clarified the administration’s policy of authorizing armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to polling places"
About this source
The plaintiffs' complaint. It alleges a "Polling Place Policy" announced by Secretary Mullin on Sept. 1, 2026 and asks the court to declare it unlawful under 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act. The complaint states the plaintiffs' allegations, not findings.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
DSCC v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, No. 1:26-cv-03330 (D.D.C.): docket
Relevant passage: Docket entries 1 to 11, Sept. 23 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of related case (ECF 2) and assignment to Judge AliKhan on Sept. 25
Excerpt
"NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by DCCC, DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION, DSCC, HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES, CHARLES E. SCHUMER. Case related to Case No. 1:26-CV-3157."
About this source
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 11 were read. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no response from the defendants.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03263 (D.D.C.): docket
Relevant passage: Docket entries 1 to 31, Sept. 18 to Sept. 25, 2026, including assignment to Judge AliKhan
Excerpt
"Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan."
About this source
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 4:27 p.m. Entries 1 to 31 were read. They consist of the complaint, disclosure statements, notices of appearance, pro hac vice motions and minute orders granting them. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction and no answer or motion by the defendants. The mirror lists ECF 29 to 31 as notices of appearance without descriptions.
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
League of United Latin American Citizens v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:26-cv-03157 (D.D.C.): docket
Relevant passage: Docket entries 1 to 21, Sept. 10 to Sept. 25, 2026, including the notice of appearance for all defendants (ECF 13) and the return of service (ECF 17)
Excerpt
"Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 11/10/2026."
About this source
Court docket as mirrored by CourtListener (RECAP), last updated Sept. 25, 2026 at 5:14 p.m. Entries 1 to 21 were read. ECF 17 records service on the U.S. Attorney on 9/11/2026 and states that the answer of all federal defendants is due 11/10/2026. The docket shows no motion for a preliminary injunction.
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
GOP nominee for Maine governor calls for ICE agents at state polling places
Relevant passage: Associated Press report of audio from an Aug. 20 event in Arundel, Maine, published Aug. 26, 2026
Excerpt
"I’m going to make an appeal for ICE and marshals to be at our voting booths"
About this source
Associated Press report, carried by NBC News, based on audio it obtained of an Aug. 20 event with a Maine Young Republicans chapter. The Bangor Daily News first reported the audio. The report includes Charles's Aug. 26 explanation and a DHS statement.
- Author
- The Associated Press
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Leaders Schumer and Jeffries, DSCC, DCCC, and DGA File New Lawsuit to Block Trump and Republicans' Threats to Intimidate Voters at Polling Places
Relevant passage: Joint statement posted Sept. 24, 2026 after the Sept. 23 filing
Excerpt
"Federal law explicitly forbids voter intimidation and stationing armed federal agents at polling places."
About this source
DSCC's posting of a joint statement from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear after the suit was filed.
- Author
- DSCC
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Civil rights coalition files federal lawsuit challenging threatened use of ICE and federal law enforcement at polling locations
Relevant passage: Press release of Sept. 18, 2026, including plaintiff and counsel statements
Excerpt
"Such harms violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits intimidation, threats, and coercion of people for voting or attempting to vote, as well as people who encourage or assist others in voting."
About this source
Announcement by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, co-counsel for the plaintiffs, of the suit by nine organizations. It lists the plaintiffs and their counsel and quotes lawyers and plaintiff leaders, including NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clarke.
- Author
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
LULAC Sues Department of Homeland Security To Keep Armed ICE Officers Out Of America's Polling Places
Relevant passage: Press release of Sept. 10, 2026
Excerpt
"The question before the court is not about immigration."
About this source
LULAC's announcement of the suit. It names the co-plaintiffs and counsel, quotes LULAC national president Roman Palomares and chief executive Juan Proaño, and describes the claims under 18 U.S.C. 592 and the Administrative Procedure Act.
- Author
- LULAC
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Post by PBS News (@NewsHour) on X, May 12, 2026: Trump on federal agents at polling places
President Trump answers a question about federal agents at polling places, May 12, 2026.
DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: PBS News (@NewsHour on X). Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Complete post 2054282657228279891 with video clip, 19:28 UTC on May 12, 2026)
Excerpt
"I'd do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections."
About this source
PBS News post of a video clip in which reporter Liz Landers asks President Trump whether he would send the National Guard or ICE to voting locations in November. The clip runs about 38 seconds. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio.
- Author
- PBS News (@NewsHour)
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Letter from Todd M. Lyons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, May 11, 2026
Relevant passage: One-page letter dated May 11, 2026, third paragraph
Excerpt
"Therefore, there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."
About this source
ICE's one-page reply, signed by Todd M. Lyons as Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director, to the March 9 letter from nine secretaries of state. The copy was published by the Colorado Secretary of State's office.
- Author
- Todd M. Lyons
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
DHS Responds to Letter from Nine Secretaries of State, states "no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."
Relevant passage: News release of May 27, 2026, including Griswold's statement
Excerpt
"I agree that there is no reason for ICE personnel to be deployed to polling places."
About this source
Release publishing the May 11 reply from ICE's Todd Lyons. It says the reply was dated more than a month after the April 8 response deadline the secretaries requested, quotes Griswold's reaction, and links both letters.
- Author
- Colorado Secretary of State's office
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold Leads Letter Seeking Confirmation of Homeland Security Policy on ICE at Polling Locations
Relevant passage: News release of March 9, 2026
Excerpt
"We are calling on the nominated Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to confirm in writing that there will not be an ICE presence near voting locations in the 2026 election cycle."
About this source
Release announcing a letter from nine secretaries of state to then-nominee Markwayne Mullin. It lists the signatories, quotes Griswold, and quotes remarks by DHS official Heather Honey on Feb. 25 and then-Secretary Kristi Noem on March 3.
- Author
- Colorado Secretary of State's office
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE won't be at polling places in 2026 election, Trump administration official says
Relevant passage: Report of Honey's remarks in a Feb. 25 virtual meeting with state election officials, published Feb. 26, 2026
Excerpt
"There will be no ICE presence at polling locations for this election."
About this source
Votebeat's report, citing five people who listened to the call, of remarks by DHS deputy assistant secretary Heather Honey to state election officials in a virtual meeting organized by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. DHS did not immediately respond to Votebeat's request for comment. The words are the participants' account; we did not locate a recording or transcript.
- Author
- Nathaniel Rakich
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 5, 2026
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answers questions about Steve Bannon's remark and ICE at polling locations at the Feb. 5, 2026 White House briefing.
Excerpt from 31:25 to 32:25 of the White House video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: The White House. Public domain (U.S. government work) (opens in a new tab)
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Questions about Steve Bannon's remark and ICE at polling locations, about 31:43 to 32:08)
Excerpt
"I can't guarantee that an ICE agent won't be around a polling location in November."
About this source
White House video of the Feb. 5, 2026 press briefing. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio and matches a published transcript of the briefing.
- Author
- Karoline Leavitt
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms
Relevant passage: Report of Bannon's Feb. 3 War Room remarks, published Feb. 4, 2026
Excerpt
"You’re damn right we’re gonna have ICE surround the polls come November."
About this source
The Guardian's report of Bannon's remarks. It describes him as a former White House strategist and podcast host who has no formal power but is closely tied to the Trump administration.
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Steve Bannon: 'You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November'
Relevant passage: War Room broadcast of Feb. 3, 2026, opening segment
Excerpt
"you're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November."
About this source
Media Matters clip and transcript of the Feb. 3, 2026 War Room broadcast. The quoted words were checked against the audio of the clip.
- Author
- Steve Bannon
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Blanche: 'Why is there objection to sending ICE officers to polling places?'
Relevant passage: Report of Blanche's CPAC remarks, published March 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET
Excerpt
"Illegals can’t vote. It doesn’t make any sense."
About this source
The Hill's report of Blanche's March 26 remarks at CPAC. It says DHS officials had given conflicting answers over whether ICE officers might be stationed at polling places. Its written version of the question differs slightly from the words heard in the video.
- Author
- Rebecca Beitsch
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
WATCH: Deputy AG Todd Blanche Calls To Deploy ICE Agents To Polling Sites (Forbes Breaking News video)
Excerpt
"Why is there objection to sending ICE officers to polling places?"
About this source
Forbes Breaking News video of an on-stage conversation at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Grapevine, Texas, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio. The Hill's written version of the question differs slightly.
- Author
- Todd Blanche
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Tom Homan Reacts to Denver Lawsuit Seeking to Block ICE at Polls (Fox News video)
Border czar Tom Homan answers a question about ICE and polling places on "The Sunday Briefing," Fox News, Sept. 13, 2026.
Excerpt from 1:02 to 2:18 of the Fox News video. DI added its logo in the corner.
Video: Fox News. Excerpt used for news reporting and commentary
Watch the full original video (opens in a new tab) (relevant passage: Fox News Sunday Briefing, Sept. 13, 2026; answer on polling places, about 1:05 to 1:30 and 1:55 to 2:15 of the clip)
Excerpt
"There is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens."
About this source
Fox News video of Homan's interview with host Jacqui Heinrich. The quoted wording is our transcription of the video audio and matches The Hill's and CNN's reports of the same interview.
- Author
- Tom Homan
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
ICE has no plans to 'sweep polling locations' for noncitizens, Homan says
Relevant passage: Report of Homan's Fox News Sunday Briefing remarks, published Sept. 14, 2026 at 11:07 a.m. ET
Excerpt
"This is another fear tactic. This is another attack on ICE and this administration"
About this source
The Hill's report on Homan's Sept. 13 interview with Fox News host Jacqui Heinrich. It quotes Homan on polling places and on sensitive locations, and notes the LULAC suit filed the previous week.
- Author
- Ryan Mancini
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Will the Trump administration send federal officers or troops to the polls? Here's what we know
Relevant passage: Sections on Mullin, Patel, Caine, Homan and Trump; published Sept. 7 and updated Sept. 15, 2026
Excerpt
"There is no plan to sweep polling places looking for illegal aliens."
About this source
CNN explainer collecting what administration and military officials have said about troops or federal officers at polling places, including Homan's Fox News remarks, Mullin's March confirmation-hearing remarks and Patel's Sept. 15 Senate testimony.
- Author
- Michael Williams
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Civil rights group says sending ICE to polls would 'intimidate voters'
Relevant passage: Report of the LULAC filing and a DHS spokesperson's statement, published Sept. 10, 2026
Excerpt
"LULAC filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Sept. 10."
About this source
USA Today's report on the LULAC filing. It lists the defendants as DHS, ICE, Secretary Mullin and acting ICE director David Venturella, quotes LULAC's chief executive and Denver's mayor, and quotes a DHS spokesperson.
- Author
- Michael Loria
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
It's illegal for armed federal officers to be at polls. Lawsuits seek to ensure that
Relevant passage: DHS and White House responses to the NAACP suit and description of the LULAC and NAACP suits, published Sept. 18, 2026
Excerpt
"is not planning operations targeting polling locations."
About this source
NPR's report on the LULAC and NAACP suits. It quotes a DHS statement to NPR, reports that the White House said in response to the lawsuit that it has repeatedly addressed the issue and that the president has not discussed plans for ICE to be at polling places, and includes remarks from Denver's clerk and recorder and from counsel for the plaintiffs.
- Author
- Jude Joffe-Block and Miles Parks
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Mullin says DHS could deploy to polling sites for 'specific' threats, arrests
Relevant passage: Report of Mullin's remarks and the DHS statement, published Sept. 1, 2026 at 1:13 p.m. EDT
Excerpt
"ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations."
About this source
Politico's same-day report on Mullin's New York remarks. It quotes a DHS statement given when Politico asked for more clarity, and says DHS also pointed to Mullin's comments at his March confirmation hearing.
- Author
- Eric Bazail-Eimil
- Published
- Accessed
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Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/should-ice-and-other-armed-federal-agents-be-allowed-at-or-near-polling-places-in-the-2026-election
The Dispute Index. "Should ICE and other armed federal agents be allowed at or near polling places in the 2026 election?". First published: 2026-09-26. Last updated: 2026-10-07. https://disputeindex.com/cases/should-ice-and-other-armed-federal-agents-be-allowed-at-or-near-polling-places-in-the-2026-election