For months, Democratic officials have shared their widespread concern that the Trump administration might try to deploy federal troops to local voting precincts in the fall. Those fears were heightened last week when Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee blocked an effort to strengthen existing limits.
But it’s not just military personnel who could be deployed.
In recent months there has been related talk in conservative circles about sending immigration agents to polling places, which seemed ridiculous — right up until a variety of Republicans on Capitol Hill and conservative media outlets started endorsing the suggestion. The louder that conversation became on the right, the more important it became when administration officials refused to rule out the possibility.
As recently as last month, a reporter asked Donald Trump directly about possibly sending agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to voting locations. “You know what?” the president replied. “I’ll do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections.”
That came on the heels of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appearing at a conservative event and asking the rhetorical question, “Why is there objection to sending ICE officers to polling places? Illegals can’t vote.”
With 20 weeks to go before Election Day 2026, the administration’s position is still not inspiring confidence.
On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kasie Hunt asked Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin whether he’s prepared to rule out the possible deployment of ICE agents to local polling stations.
“No,” the Oklahoma Republican replied. “Keep in mind, why would ICE be there? Because the only people who should be voting there is American citizens. There shouldn’t be any immigration enforcement. So this should be a moot deal for any Democrat.”