A senior official from the Department of Homeland Security has assured state election officials that immigration agents will not be present at polling places this year. Heather Honey, the deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, emphasized during a recent call that claims of ICE operating at polling sites are unfounded.
When California Secretary of State Shirley Weber raised concerns about possible immigration operations affecting elections, Honey firmly stated, “There will be no ICE presence at polling locations.” However, this assurance didn’t persuade everyone. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes expressed skepticism, pointing out Honey’s involvement in the controversial Cyber Ninjas’ investigation into the 2020 election, which experts say lacked credibility.
Historical context highlights that federal law prohibits “troops or armed men” from polling sites. Despite this, some officials worry that federal immigration enforcement could create an atmosphere of intimidation during elections. This uncertainty lingers as the political climate shifts, marked recently by former President Donald Trump’s comments about “nationalizing” voting.
During the call, officials from various federal agencies gathered to discuss midterm election preparations. However, many state officials felt their questions were not adequately addressed. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows noted that the administration did not reassure them regarding state sovereignty over elections. This ongoing tension suggests a need for clearer communication about election processes and federal involvement.
Overall, state officials are navigating a complex landscape as they prepare for the elections while trying to ensure that voters feel safe and unthreatened at polling places. The anxiety around election integrity continues, especially as some officials express doubts about the federal government’s respect for state authority in election matters.
For more insights on election security, you can visit NASS for resources on voter safety and election integrity.
