DHS Official Promises No Immigration Agents at Polling Places for Midterms

Assurance comes amid concerns over potential election interference from Trump administration

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Department of Homeland Security official told state election administrators that immigration agents will not be stationed at polling places during the upcoming midterm elections, addressing one of the Democrats' biggest 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 participating in the electoral process. This pledge from DHS aims to allay those concerns and ensure the integrity of the midterm 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 message was conveyed during a call with election officials from the FBI, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Postal Service, and other federal agencies to discuss coordination for the midterms.

  • The call took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The midterm elections are scheduled for November 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 about widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

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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 Department of Homeland Security will continue to coordinate with state and federal agencies to ensure the security and integrity of the midterm elections.

The takeaway

This pledge from DHS is an important step in reassuring voters and election officials that the federal government will not interfere with or intimidate voters at polling places during the upcoming midterm elections, despite concerns raised by Democrats about potential meddling by the Trump administration.