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ICE may enter polling places
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says ICE may enter polling places for specific threats or warrants.
Democrats worry this could intimidate voters in November's midterm elections.
Background
The Trump administration has signaled that immigration enforcement could be present at polling sites, raising concerns about voter intimidation. Secretary Mullin clarified that ICE would only respond to specific threats or serve warrants, but Democrats fear potential interference in the upcoming midterm elections.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2026Mullin made earlier comments about ICE and polling places, referenced by DHS.
- May 2026Trump said he would do 'anything necessary' to ensure honest elections, when asked about using ICE or National Guard at polls.
- Aug 31, 2026Columnist Mona Charen warns of potential election interference, citing Trump's past actions.
- Sep 1, 2026Mullin tells reporters in NYC that ICE isn't patrolling polls but may enforce specific threats or warrants.
- Sep 2, 2026DHS official says no plans for ICE at polls, but Mullin reiterates possibility in media appearances.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- DHS says ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations, only responding to active public safety threats.
- Democrats
- Democrats worry DHS could interfere in midterm elections by deploying agents to polling places.
- Analysts
- Some analysts note ICE lacks manpower to patrol all 95,000 polling places, but presence in key districts could suppress turnout.
Still unverified
Claims that Trump may use the Insurrection Act to deploy National Guard to polls are speculative and not confirmed.