ICE Chief Undermines Trump's Midterm Election Plan

ICE head says there is no reason to deploy agents at polling locations, contradicting Trump advisor's claims.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, has undermined Donald Trump's midterm election plan by stating there is no reason for ICE to deploy agents at polling locations. This contradicts claims made by Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon that ICE should 'surround the polls' in November. Democratic elections attorney Marc Elias analyzed Lyons' statement, saying he 'gave up the game' by acknowledging the lack of legitimate reason for ICE presence at polls, but then 'stammered' when asked about potential pressure from Trump to do so anyway.

Why it matters

The potential deployment of ICE agents at polling locations during the midterm elections has raised concerns about voter intimidation and the integrity of the democratic process. Lyons' statement appears to undercut efforts by Trump and his allies to use federal law enforcement for political purposes, but Elias warns that the administration may still try to pressure ICE to appear at polls despite the lack of legal justification.

The details

Last week, Steve Bannon, a former Trump advisor, suggested that ICE agents should be 'manning' polling places in the upcoming midterm elections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out the possibility of ICE presence at polling locations. However, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, ICE head Todd Lyons stated plainly that 'there's no reason for us to deploy to a polling station.' Elections attorney Marc Elias praised Lyons for acknowledging the lack of legitimate reason for ICE at polls, but warned that the administration may still try to deploy agents anyway, despite the illegality of such actions.

  • On February 9, 2026, Steve Bannon suggested ICE agents should 'surround the polls' in the midterm elections.
  • On February 14, 2026, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out the possibility of ICE presence at polling locations.
  • On February 15, 2026, ICE head Todd Lyons testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee that there is 'no reason for us to deploy to a polling station.'

The players

Todd Lyons

The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Steve Bannon

A former advisor to President Donald Trump.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary.

Marc Elias

A Democratic Party elections attorney who specializes in voting rights.

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What they’re saying

“You're damn right we're gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.”

— Steve Bannon, Former Trump Advisor (rawstory.com)

“I can't guarantee that an ICE agent won't be around a polling location in November … but what I can tell you is I haven't heard the president discuss any formal plans to put ICE outside of polling locations.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (rawstory.com)

“Obviously we do civil enforcement and criminal law enforcement. There's no reason for us to deploy to a polling station.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Head (rawstory.com)

What’s next

Elections attorney Marc Elias has threatened to sue the administration if ICE agents appear at polling locations during the midterm voting period, stating that such actions would be 'totally illegal' despite the administration's potential efforts to deploy them anyway.

The takeaway

The ICE head's statement undermining Trump's plans to use federal law enforcement at polling places during the midterm elections is a significant development, but experts warn the administration may still try to pressure ICE to appear at polls despite the lack of legal justification, raising concerns about potential voter intimidation and the integrity of the democratic process.