DHS Official Promises No Immigration Agents at Midterm Polling Places

Assurance comes amid fears of federal interference in elections

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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

Why it matters

The presence of federal immigration agents at polling places could deter voter participation, especially among immigrant communities, raising concerns about voter suppression. This pledge aims to allay those fears and ensure free and fair elections.

The details

Heather Honey, a DHS deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, told secretaries of state that 'any suggestion that ICE will be present at any polling location is simply not true.' This promise 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 2020 election fraud and his administration's efforts to root out noncitizen voting.

  • The call with state election officials took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Heather Honey

Deputy assistant secretary for election integrity at the Department of Homeland Security.

Adrian Fontes

Arizona Secretary of State, a Democrat.

Tobias Read

Oregon Secretary of State.

Michael Adams

Kentucky Secretary of State, a Republican.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has made false claims of widespread 2020 election fraud.

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What they’re saying

“Any suggestion that ICE will be present at any polling location is simply not true.”

— Heather Honey, Deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This pledge from the DHS official aims to reassure voters and election officials that the federal government will not interfere with the midterm elections, addressing a key concern about voter suppression and the integrity of the democratic process.