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Denver Joins Civil Rights Groups in Lawsuit to Block Trump Administration from Sending Armed ICE Agents to Polling Places

The city of Denver has joined three civil rights organizations in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the Trump administration from deploying armed immigration enforcement agents to voting sites during the midterm elections. The plaintiffs allege that the administration's "Polling Place Policy" could intimidate voters and violate a Civil War-era federal law that prohibits federal officials from placing armed men at election sites except to repel armed enemies. While the administration announced that ICE agents would only be stationed at polling locations under specific circumstances, such as active public safety threats or to serve warrants, the lawsuit argues that the presence of these agents could deter voters from casting ballots. Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López stated that if agents appear at the polls, the city will ask them to leave or prosecute them for illegal presence. The lawsuit also highlights that more than 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by ICE for peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights. To address the potential for federal overreach, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order banning ICE from city property and prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks while working within city limits.

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