The Department of Homeland Security told state election officials that immigration agents will not deploy to polling sites during the midterm elections.
Several secretaries of state said Heather Honey, DHS deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, made that clear during a coordination call. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said Honey directly rejected claims that ICE would appear at voting locations.
Assurance to Both Parties
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office shared the same message. Staff said Honey assured officials that immigration agents will not station officers at polling places. Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican, also confirmed on social media that DHS gave state leaders the same guidance.
The call included representatives from the FBI, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the Postal Service, and other federal agencies. Officials focused on coordination and election security ahead of November.
Democratic Concerns About Intimidation
In recent months, some Democrats have voiced concerns about voter intimidation. They worry immigration agents could target communities that fear racial profiling.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin raised that issue during a congressional hearing. She warned that uniformed agents surrounding polling places would mark an extraordinary step. She urged lawmakers not to dismiss the possibility.
These concerns add to broader tension over election security. The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits seeking detailed voter data in several states. However, officials have not explained each request publicly.
Ongoing Debate Over Election Integrity
President Donald Trump continues to question the 2020 election results and calls for further investigations. Courts have rejected claims of widespread fraud.
Earlier this month, the FBI executed a search warrant at an election office in Fulton County, Georgia. Local officials said agents seized ballots and other voting records from 2020. Fulton County includes Atlanta and played a central role in that election cycle.
Democratic officials and voting rights advocates have also raised concerns about federal involvement in state run elections. The Constitution gives states authority over elections. In most states, the secretary of state oversees that process.
Federal Agencies Deny Patrol Plans
During a recent congressional hearing, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said their agencies do not plan to patrol voting sites.
The White House also rejected claims of potential disruption. Officials pointed to last year’s elections and said they proceeded without interference.
Now that DHS has publicly confirmed ICE will not appear at polling locations, officials from both parties say they hope the clarification will calm voter concerns before the midterms.
