DHS Official Promises No Federal Immigration Agents at Polling Places for Midterms

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Department of Homeland Security official told state election administrators that immigration agents will not be stationed at polling places during November's midterm elections, addressing one of the Democrats' fears about possible election interference from the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The presence of federal immigration agents at polling places could intimidate and discourage voters, particularly in immigrant communities, from exercising their right to vote. This assurance from DHS aims to allay those concerns and ensure free and fair elections.

The details

Heather Honey, deputy assistant secretary for election integrity at DHS, told secretaries of state that 'any suggestion that ICE will be present at any polling location is simply not true.' This pledge came during a call with federal agencies to discuss coordination for the midterm elections. Democratic officials have been worried about potential Trump administration interference in the voting process, citing the former president's false claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election and his administration's efforts to investigate noncitizen voting.

• The call between DHS and state election officials took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
• The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will need to follow through on this promise and ensure that no federal immigration agents are deployed to polling places during the 2026 midterm elections.