Republican operatives and officials have publicly discussed the idea of involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at or near voting locations during November’s midterm elections. While no official plan has been announced, the threat alone is enough to cause fear and suppress voter turnout.

This is how voter intimidation works!

Even the possibility of ICE presence near polling places sends a message to marginalized communities: voting could put you at risk. Fear doesn’t require arrests or enforcement; uncertainty is enough to keep people home on Election Day.

Polling places must be safe and protected spaces. ICE has no role in our elections. Allowing immigration enforcement anywhere near voting sites would undermine free and fair elections and silence voters before they ever cast a ballot.

We cannot wait until harm is done to act. We are demanding clear, proactive protections to keep ICE away from polling places and to ensure every voter can participate without fear or intimidation.