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
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.
7 matching responses. First 6 shown initially. Newest first.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Show fewer responses
- 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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