Voting rights groups file suit to keep ICE away from polling places

A coalition of civil rights and voting rights groups, joined by the city of Denver, is suing to block the Trump administration from deploying immigration enforcement agents to polling places during the midterm elections, according to The Independent.

The lawsuit argues that federal law only permits agents at polling places to “repel armed enemies of the United States,” and that the presence of ICE officers would intimidate voters and suppress turnout. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said agents could respond to specific threats or serve warrants at polling sites.

A DHS spokesperson said ICE is “not planning operations targeting polling locations.” Armed agents have previously appeared at polling places in Texas, California and New York.