DHS Says ICE Agents Won't be in Polling Stations in November Elections

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made clear that immigration agents will not be stationed at polling stations during the upcoming midterm elections, attempting to ease fears of election interference. This reassurance comes amid heightened concern among Democrats about potential meddling from the Trump administration and federal agencies.

On Wednesday, Heather Honey, deputy assistant secretary for election integrity at DHS, told a group of secretaries of state that 'any suggestion that ICE will be present at any polling location is simply not true.'

Her comments aimed to quell rumours that federal immigration agents might be lurking at voting sites to intimidate voters or influence the election process.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, confirmed the statement in a tweet, adding that Honey's assurance was clear. Similarly, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read's spokeswoman echoed Honey's pledge.

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, a Republican, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the DHS promise was made during the call. The department itself did not respond to a request for comment.

A routine call with a tense underpinning

The call, which included representatives from the FBI, US Election Assistance Commission, Postal Service, and other federal agencies, was described as routine. Yet, this year's conversations are coloured by recent moves by the Trump administration that have unsettled election officials across party lines.

In recent weeks, the Justice Department has filed lawsuits seeking detailed voter data without explaining its purpose. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that widespread voter fraud tainted the 2020 election, despite a lack of evidence. His administration's investigations and public statements have fanned fears of federal interference.

Elections under siege?

Earlier this month, the FBI raided an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, a Democratic stronghold, to seize ballots and voting records from 2020. The operation was based on claims of election fraud, but critics argue the investigation relies on discredited conspiracy theories.

Democratic secretaries of state, public interest lawyers, and election advocates have been strategising for months. Their focus: how to defend the integrity of voting amid fears of possible Trump-era meddling.

Election security and federal law enforcement

During the call, secretaries of state asked Honey about cuts to election security funding and the federal push to identify noncitizen voters. State officials were concerned about the possibility of federal law enforcement officers appearing at polling places, a scenario that has stoked anxiety among voters and election officials alike.

The White House has dismissed such fears, pointing out there was no disruption during last year's elections, which Democrats notably won across the board. At a congressional hearing earlier this month, officials from ICE and Customs and Border Protection both denied any involvement in election security efforts.

The US Constitution grants states the authority to run elections, with most states giving that power to secretaries of state. Yet, recent federal actions and rhetoric have stirred doubts about neutrality and security.

Many Democrats express concern about the Trump administration's track record. Trump's willingness to challenge the 2020 results, his pardons for those involved in the Capitol insurrection, and his administration's staffing choices have fuelled fears of partisan interference.

As November approaches, the conversation continues. Voters want confidence, clarity, and assurance that their ballots will be counted fairly. The delicate balance of federal and state authority, combined with recent political tensions, makes this an election like no other.