Federal agents at the polls would break 160-year-old law
Trump administration officials refuse to rule out sending ICE to polling places, but a Civil War-era statute makes it a federal crime.
In brief
Trump administration officials refuse to rule out sending ICE to polling places, but a Civil War-era statute makes it a federal crime. Trump officials refuse to rule out sending ICE agents to polls ahead of midterms, violating a law passed in eighteen sixty-five to protect elections from federal interference…
Civil War precedent for protecting polls
During the eighteen sixty-three presidential election, federal troops prevented people deemed disloyal from voting in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri.
The law's purpose: prevent presidential interference
Congress passed the eighteen sixty-five law to prevent the President and his officers from interfering in elections, which are run by the states.This policy has been respected by every presidential administration for over a century.
Trump officials won't rule out ICE at polls
Ahead of the midterms, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said immigration officers could be sent to polling places to serve a warrant or respond to threats, adding we'll be where we need to…
“we'll be where we need to be”
FBI director hedges on polling place visits
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said if there's a reason to go to a polling place because there's been a violation, the FBI will, otherwise it won't.
“If there's a reason to go there because there's been a violation, we will, otherwise we won't”
Sending ICE to polls would be illegal
Legal experts say sending ICE or FBI agents to polling places would violate the eighteen sixty-five law and others.
“unlawful order”
The only legal exception: foreign attack
The eighteen sixty-five law allows armed federal agents only to repel armed enemies of the United States.
Voter fear is widespread and real
A University of California, San Diego poll conducted last month found forty percent of voting-age American citizens expect ICE agents to be at the polls this November.
Legal protections and voter options remain
Civil rights groups and labor unions have filed lawsuits to hold the federal government accountable.Election officials and voter protection organizations are prepared to respond to intimidation.
The real threat: voter suppression through fear
The federal government's refusal to rule out ICE at polls is part of a campaign to intimidate voters and undermine elections. The only way it will succeed is if voters don't show up.
The main idea
Trump officials refuse to rule out sending ICE agents to polls ahead of midterms, violating a law passed in eighteen sixty-five to protect elections from federal interference.
