DHS Official Pledges No Immigration Agents at Polling Places for Midterms

Assurance comes amid concerns over voter intimidation ahead of 2026 elections.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A top Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official has promised that federal immigration agents will not be stationed at polling places during the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The pledge aims to allay concerns over potential voter intimidation tactics targeting immigrant communities.

Why it matters

Ensuring free and fair elections is a cornerstone of American democracy. The presence of immigration enforcement at polling sites could deter some eligible voters, especially in immigrant-heavy areas, from exercising their right to vote out of fear of potential consequences.

The details

DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration authorities will not be deployed to monitor polling locations or engage in any election-related activities. This commitment is intended to build trust and encourage full voter participation in the upcoming midterm elections.

  • The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 5, 2026.

The players

John Tien

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make it clear that ICE and other immigration enforcement authorities will not be present at or near polling places during the upcoming midterm elections.”

— John Tien, Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (KFOR 4 Oklahoma City)

What’s next

The DHS pledge is part of a broader effort by federal and state officials to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

This commitment from DHS leadership is an important step in reassuring immigrant communities that they can participate in the electoral process without fear of immigration enforcement, helping to uphold the democratic principle of equal access to the ballot box.