Denver ICE Agents at Polls Challenge
League of United Latin American Citizens, et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al.
A pro-voting lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s policy of sending ICE and other federal agents to polling places.
Background
The City of Denver and several voting and civil rights organizations – League of United Latin American Citizens, Common Cause, Common Cause Education Fund, and UnidosUS – filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over the Trump administration’s policy of authorizing ICE agents to go to polling places to conduct routine civil immigration and customs enforcement operations.
They argue this policy violates a longstanding federal law that prohibits the federal government from sending “any troops or armed men” to places where elections are held unless it is “necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.” The plaintiffs are requesting an injunction blocking the policy and prohibiting federal agents from operating or carrying weapons near open polling places, drop boxes, and other areas where votes are “taken, collected, received, counted, or certified.”
Why It Matters
ICE has been involved in many high-profile incidents and deaths in recent years, including the arrests and killings of American citizens. Their presence at the polls could intimidate lawful voters from participating in the midterm elections and disrupt election administration and the voting process.
Latest Updates
- Sept. 10, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.