Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche supports the idea of deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to polling locations, arguing that noncitizens cannot legally vote in U.S. elections. During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Blanche questioned the opposition to the proposal, stating, “Why is there an objection to sending ICE to polling stations? Illegals can’t vote. It doesn’t make any sense.” The claim that noncitizens vote in U.S. elections lacks substantial evidence. Reviews of voting records have identified only a small number of instances where undocumented individuals attempted to cast ballots, contradicting Republican assertions of widespread fraud. A 2016 Brennan Center study of the general election found approximately 30 suspected cases of noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million ballots, representing less than 0.0001 percent of the total. Democrats have criticized the proposal as an intimidation tactic, arguing that the presence of armed agents near polling places could suppress voter turnout. Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) described the plan as part of a broader strategy to “adjust democratic elections” if opponents cannot maintain power through traditional means. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided inconsistent statements about the possibility of ICE officers being stationed at polling sites. In a recent call with state election officials, a DHS representative labeled the idea “misinformation,” while other officials have acknowledged no current plans to implement the measure. Despite the conflicting guidance, several Trump-aligned officials have endorsed the proposal.#department_of_homeland_security #tom_homan #deputy_attorney_general_todd_blanche #conservative_political_action_conference #maryland_governor_wes_moore
