Concerns Over ICE Presence at Polling Places Ahead of 2026 Elections

During a recent private call, Heather Honey, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, assured election officials that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would not be present at polling locations during the upcoming November elections, labeling concerns as “disinformation.” However, skepticism remains among state officials, particularly from Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who expressed distrust due to Honey's past involvement in efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Fontes stated, “I can’t depend on an election denier like that for the truth under any circumstances.” This skepticism is compounded by ongoing legislative efforts, such as the SAVE America Act, which aims to implement national voter ID requirements, further raising fears of potential voter intimidation.

The Bulwark

In response to fears of ICE's presence at polling places, advocacy groups like LUCHA Arizona are mobilizing to protect voters, particularly in communities of color. Alejandra Gomez, executive director of LUCHA AZ, noted that the mere possibility of ICE at polling sites acts as a “chilling factor” for voters. Despite a recent legislative attempt to invite ICE to polling locations being withdrawn, Gomez emphasized the ongoing threat, stating, “This is a direct attack on immigrant and Latino communities.” The group is preparing for legal challenges and plans to engage in extensive grassroots organizing, aiming to knock on nearly one million doors to educate voters about their rights.

The Bulwark

Organizations such as Mi Familia Vota are also actively working to mitigate intimidation fears through voter education campaigns. The group plans a $10 million national initiative to inform voters about their rights and the limitations of ICE's authority at polling places. Angelica Razo, the national director of campaigns and programs for Mi Familia Vota, highlighted the importance of early voting and absentee ballots as strategies to avoid intimidation. The organization aims to bolster voter turnout while ensuring that communities feel safe exercising their democratic rights.

The Bulwark

Legal experts have expressed doubts about the legality of ICE's presence at polling locations. Charles Kuck, a Georgia-based attorney, stated, “I don’t understand what legal basis they would have to have ICE at the polls.” He anticipates that any attempt by ICE to interfere would lead to immediate lawsuits. The fear of intimidation, however, remains a significant barrier to voter participation, with many community members already preparing for potential confrontations at the polls.

The Bulwark

The concerns surrounding ICE's potential involvement in the electoral process reflect broader issues of voter suppression and intimidation, particularly against marginalized communities. In states like Maryland and Michigan, attorneys general have initiated lawsuits against ICE for plans to convert warehouses into detention facilities without proper environmental reviews or community input. These actions highlight a growing resistance against federal immigration enforcement tactics that threaten local communities and democratic processes.

Attorney General Brown Files Lawsuit To Stop Construction Of ICE Detention Facility

• “I can’t depend on an election denier like that for the truth under any circumstances,” — Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State

The Bulwark

• “This is a direct attack on immigrant and Latino communities, but right now it is having an effect on all communities,” — Alejandra Gomez, Executive Director of LUCHA Arizona

The Bulwark

• “I don’t understand what legal basis they would have to have ICE at the polls,” — Charles Kuck, Attorney

The Bulwark

The upcoming elections are poised to be a critical battleground for voter rights, with advocacy groups and legal experts working to ensure that intimidation tactics do not undermine the democratic process.

The Bulwark