Full Breakdown
DHS Assures No ICE Presence at Polling Places Amid Election Concerns
2/26/2026, 3:42:22 AM
Federal Assurance on Polling Place Security
During a recent call with state election officials, Heather Honey, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assured that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would not be present at polling places during the upcoming midterm elections. Honey stated, “Any suggestion that ICE is going to be present at polling places is simply disinformation.” This assurance came in response to concerns raised by various state officials, including California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, about potential federal interference in state-run elections.
Context of Concerns
The call, which included representatives from the FBI, the Election Assistance Commission, and other federal agencies, aimed to discuss preparations for the midterms. However, some officials expressed skepticism regarding the federal government's commitment to respecting state sovereignty in election administration. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows noted a lack of reassurance from the federal government, stating, “I did not walk away from this meeting reassured that the federal government wouldn’t try to interfere in state sovereignty over the election.”
Criticism of DHS Official
Honey's credibility has been questioned due to her past involvement in the 2020 election denial movement, particularly her work with Cyber Ninjas, a company that conducted a controversial audit of the 2020 election in Arizona. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes criticized Honey, calling her an “election denier with zero integrity,” and expressed doubt about her assurances regarding ICE's presence at polling sites.
Broader Implications of Federal Involvement
The backdrop of these discussions includes President Donald Trump's previous statements advocating for increased federal involvement in elections and unfounded claims of noncitizen voter fraud. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon had previously suggested that ICE should surround polling places, raising alarms among election officials about potential intimidation tactics. The uncertainty surrounding federal actions has led to heightened concerns among officials from both major political parties regarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Honey's statements aim to quell fears of ICE presence at polling locations, the broader context of Trump's rhetoric and past actions creates a complex environment. Some officials remain unconvinced, highlighting a “stunned silence” from DHS representatives when asked about reinforcing state sovereignty in elections. This lack of clarity contributes to ongoing apprehensions about federal interference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any suggestion that ICE is going to be present at polling places is simply disinformation.” — Heather Honey, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Election Integrity
- “I’m just not convinced.” — Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State
- “I did not walk away from this meeting reassured that the federal government wouldn’t try to interfere in state sovereignty over the election,” — Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State
As the midterm elections approach, the dialogue between state officials and federal agencies continues to evolve, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the balance of power in election administration.
