Full evidence — RUN_2026-09-26_6
Question: Can ICE agents legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States?
Complete answers for every model, language and answer round in this run. English translations are shown where available; where they are not, the original text is shown and was not compared.
One answer round means asking the model once in every tested language.
Fact source evidence
Brennan Center for Justice
Federal law generally prohibits deploying ICE or other armed federal agents to polling places or other locations where an election is held, subject to a narrow exception when the force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States; voter intimidation and federal interference with elections are also prohibited.
URL: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/sending-ice-polling-places-illegal
Final URL: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/sending-ice-polling-places-illegal
Retrieved: 2026-09-26T01:05:17.135932+00:00
Saved copy SHA-256: 11a87e718d24836acb0837dba3416b2689c8764cd21b51daea828bdb1f154de1
Q002
Claude Sonnet 5
Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Blue states push to ban ICE at the polls amid federal voter intimidation fears • Stateline - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - Vote Safely in 2026 | Brennan Center for Justice - Federal Law Prohibits I.C.E. From Being Present at Election Sites - Federal Law Prohibits I.C.E. From Being Present at Election Sites - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls | Brennan Center for Justice - It's illegal for armed federal officers to be at polls. Lawsuits seek to ensure that - A second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling places - Government Executive - New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling Places - Democracy Forward - Blue states push to ban ICE at the polls amid federal voter intimidation fears • Stateline
English translation
Short answer: No — but the issue is currently contested
Under longstanding federal law, ICE agents (and other armed federal officers or troops) are not legally permitted to be stationed at or sent to polling places. However, this has become a live legal controversy in 2026, with the Trump administration signaling it may deploy ICE to polls under certain circumstances, prompting lawsuits and state-level countermeasures.
The legal basis
A Civil War–era federal statute is the core protection here: a federal law dating to the end of the Civil War already bans sending the military or other "armed men" to polling places, except to repel armed enemies of the United States. More specifically, under federal law, an official who orders, brings or keeps "troops or armed men" at a location where a general or special election is taking place can face up to five years in prison and disqualification from federal office.
This is codified in specific statutes: voter intimidation — including by federal, state, and local officials — is illegal under federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 592, prohibiting federal officials from deploying "armed men at any place where a general or special election is held."
Legal experts note the scope is broad — the Brennan Center for Justice has interpreted the statute broadly to cover all locations where votes are cast and counted, including polling places, ballot tabulation sites, and drop boxes, and under that reading, there is no version of an ICE presence at or near an election site that passes legal muster. ICE's actual legal mandate reinforces this: ICE's statutory mandate is immigration enforcement, both civil and criminal, deriving from the Homeland Security Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act — neither of which grants ICE any role in election administration, voter identity verification, or poll security.
Why this is controversial right now
Despite the clear legal prohibition, senior Trump administration officials have refused to rule out ICE presence at polls ahead of the November 2026 midterms. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated "the only reason why we would be at polling places is if there is a threat to that polling place or we're serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down... If we're serving a warrant we will be where we need to be." President Trump himself said he would "do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections; we have to have honest elections."
This has already led to real-world incidents: during primary elections, there were also multiple reports in various states of federal law enforcement activity inside or near polling sites, including in Texas and California, where local law enforcement intervened.
Legal pushback
Civil rights groups have filed multiple lawsuits. One argues that the policy violates the federal law that prohibits "armed men" at election sites, and also causes voter intimidation, which is barred under the Voting Rights Act. Additionally, earlier this year, senior administration officials publicly questioned why ICE officers should not be sent to polling stations, the U.S. Department of Justice removed longstanding guidance explaining restrictions on federal law enforcement activity at polling places, and ICE agents conducted enforcement actions at active polling sites in Texas and New York.
Several states are also acting proactively — measures to restrict federal agents from operating at or near election-related locations have been offered in more than half a dozen states.
Bottom line
Legally, no — ICE has no authorized role at polling places, and armed federal agents are explicitly banned by federal law except to repel an actual armed attack on the U.S. That said, administration officials have suggested they might send agents anyway under a "warrant" justification, and this is currently being fought out in courts and state legislatures ahead of the 2026 midterms. If ICE does appear at a polling site, that would be a violation of federal law, and voters/election officials have legal recourse (courts have already gotten involved to block such deployments).
Original text
Short answer: No — but the issue is currently contested
Under longstanding federal law, ICE agents (and other armed federal officers or troops) are not legally permitted to be stationed at or sent to polling places. However, this has become a live legal controversy in 2026, with the Trump administration signaling it may deploy ICE to polls under certain circumstances, prompting lawsuits and state-level countermeasures.
The legal basis
A Civil War–era federal statute is the core protection here: a federal law dating to the end of the Civil War already bans sending the military or other "armed men" to polling places, except to repel armed enemies of the United States. More specifically, under federal law, an official who orders, brings or keeps "troops or armed men" at a location where a general or special election is taking place can face up to five years in prison and disqualification from federal office.
This is codified in specific statutes: voter intimidation — including by federal, state, and local officials — is illegal under federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 592, prohibiting federal officials from deploying "armed men at any place where a general or special election is held."
Legal experts note the scope is broad — the Brennan Center for Justice has interpreted the statute broadly to cover all locations where votes are cast and counted, including polling places, ballot tabulation sites, and drop boxes, and under that reading, there is no version of an ICE presence at or near an election site that passes legal muster. ICE's actual legal mandate reinforces this: ICE's statutory mandate is immigration enforcement, both civil and criminal, deriving from the Homeland Security Act and the Immigration and Nationality Act — neither of which grants ICE any role in election administration, voter identity verification, or poll security.
Why this is controversial right now
Despite the clear legal prohibition, senior Trump administration officials have refused to rule out ICE presence at polls ahead of the November 2026 midterms. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated "the only reason why we would be at polling places is if there is a threat to that polling place or we're serving a warrant on someone that we have been actively tracking down... If we're serving a warrant we will be where we need to be." President Trump himself said he would "do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections; we have to have honest elections."
This has already led to real-world incidents: during primary elections, there were also multiple reports in various states of federal law enforcement activity inside or near polling sites, including in Texas and California, where local law enforcement intervened.
Legal pushback
Civil rights groups have filed multiple lawsuits. One argues that the policy violates the federal law that prohibits "armed men" at election sites, and also causes voter intimidation, which is barred under the Voting Rights Act. Additionally, earlier this year, senior administration officials publicly questioned why ICE officers should not be sent to polling stations, the U.S. Department of Justice removed longstanding guidance explaining restrictions on federal law enforcement activity at polling places, and ICE agents conducted enforcement actions at active polling sites in Texas and New York.
Several states are also acting proactively — measures to restrict federal agents from operating at or near election-related locations have been offered in more than half a dozen states.
Bottom line
Legally, no — ICE has no authorized role at polling places, and armed federal agents are explicitly banned by federal law except to repel an actual armed attack on the U.S. That said, administration officials have suggested they might send agents anyway under a "warrant" justification, and this is currently being fought out in courts and state legislatures ahead of the 2026 midterms. If ICE does appear at a polling site, that would be a violation of federal law, and voters/election officials have legal recourse (courts have already gotten involved to block such deployments).
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Vote Safely in 2026 | Brennan Center for Justice - Enviar a los agentes de ICE a los sitios de votación es ilegal - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls | Brennan Center for Justice - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - El ICE en centros de votación: los dos casos en los que el DHS no descarta tener agentes durante las elecciones 2026 - LA NACION - El ICE en centros de votación: los dos casos en los que el DHS no descarta tener agentes durante las elecciones 2026 - LA NACION - El ICE en centros de votación: los dos casos en los que el DHS no descarta tener agentes durante las elecciones 2026 - LA NACION - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - El ICE en centros de votación: los dos casos en los que el DHS no descarta tener agentes durante las elecciones 2026 - LA NACION - El ICE en centros de votación: los dos casos en los que el DHS no descarta tener agentes durante las elecciones 2026 - LA NACION - Denver demanda al Gobierno por agentes de ICE en centros de votación: ¿pueden entrar armados? - New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling Places - Democracy Forward - Denver demanda al Gobierno por agentes de ICE en centros de votación: ¿pueden entrar armados? - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls | Brennan Center for Justice
English translation
Can ICE agents legally enter polling places?
No, in general federal law explicitly prohibits armed federal agents—including ICE—from entering polling places, although the issue has become highly controversial ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections in the United States.
The legal basis
Voter intimidation—including by federal, state, and local officials—is illegal under federal laws such as Title 18, Section 592 of the U.S. Code, which prohibits federal officials from deploying "armed men at any place where a general or special election is held." This rule prohibits armed federal agents from being at the polls and has existed since the Civil War era.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, sending armed federal agents, including those from ICE, to polling sites is illegal. Federal and many state laws prohibit not only the presence of armed federal agents at polling places, but also interference in elections or voter intimidation by any official or private citizen.
A state election official summarized it clearly: "The Constitution and federal law prohibit ICE agents from being stationed at polling places."
The administration's stance: Controversial "exceptions"
Despite this prohibition, Trump administration officials have left the door open to certain exceptions. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has stated that "if we have to execute a warrant, we will be where we need to be," clarifying that "ICE is not there to patrol polling places."
The two circumstances mentioned by the administration are: the existence of an active threat against a polling place, or the execution of a warrant against an individual whom agents had been tracking.
However, legal experts and election officials reject that these "exceptions" have legal validity. According to Democracy Docket, under federal law, an official who orders, brings, or keeps "troops or armed men" at a place where a general or special election is held can face up to five years in prison and disqualification from holding federal office.
Ongoing litigation
The controversy has reached the courts. A coalition comprising LULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS, and the city and county of Denver filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, naming the DHS, Mullin, ICE, and the agency's acting director as defendants. This lawsuit argues that it invokes a law that Congress passed in the final months of the Civil War to block the deployment of ICE at the polls.
Additionally, the Democracy Forward lawsuit alleges that the Department of Justice removed existing guidelines explaining restrictions on federal law enforcement activity at polling places, and that ICE agents conducted enforcement actions at active polling sites in Texas and New York.
Documented cases
The concern is not just theoretical. The lawsuit mentions that in May, during the San Antonio primaries, armed agents detained an individual in the parking lot of a polling place. The Brennan Center also documented that in separate incidents during recent primary elections in San Antonio, Texas, and Simi Valley, California, local law enforcement agencies responded to reports of ICE agents present near polling places and ensured they withdrew.
In summary
The short answer is no: federal law clearly prohibits armed ICE agents or other federal forces from patrolling or intervening in polling places. However, there is active tension between this legal prohibition and statements by current administration officials suggesting potential exceptions (threats or judicial warrants), which has generated ongoing lawsuits and defensive preparations by several states ahead of the November 2026 elections.
Original text
¿Pueden los agentes del ICE entrar legalmente en los centros de votación?
No, en general la ley federal prohíbe explícitamente el ingreso de agentes federales armados —incluyendo al ICE— a los centros de votación, aunque el tema se ha vuelto muy controvertido de cara a las elecciones de mitad de mandato de noviembre de 2026 en Estados Unidos.
La base legal
La intimidación de votantes —incluida la de funcionarios federales, estatales y locales— es ilegal bajo leyes federales como el Título 18, sección 592 del Código de EE.UU., que prohíbe que funcionarios federales desplieguen "hombres armados en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección general o especial". Esta norma prohíbe a agentes federales armados estar en las urnas y existe desde la época de la Guerra Civil.
Según el Brennan Center for Justice, enviar agentes federales armados, incluyendo los del ICE, a sitios electorales es ilegal. La ley federal y de muchos estados prohíbe no solo la presencia de agentes federales armados en los centros de votación, sino también la interferencia en las elecciones o la intimidación de votantes por parte de cualquier funcionario o ciudadano particular.
Un funcionario electoral estatal lo resumió claramente: "La Constitución y la ley federal prohíben que agentes del ICE sean estacionados en los centros de votación".
La postura de la administración: "excepciones" controvertidas
A pesar de esta prohibición, funcionarios de la administración Trump han dejado abierta la puerta a ciertas excepciones. El secretario del DHS, Markwayne Mullin, ha declarado que "si tenemos que ejecutar una orden judicial, estaremos donde debemos estar", aclarando que "el ICE no está allí para patrullar los centros de votación".
Las dos circunstancias que la administración menciona son: la existencia de una amenaza activa contra un centro de votación, o la ejecución de una orden contra una persona a la que los agentes venían siguiendo.
Sin embargo, expertos legales y funcionarios electorales rechazan que estas "excepciones" tengan validez jurídica. Según Democracy Docket, bajo la ley federal, un funcionario que ordena, lleva o mantiene "tropas u hombres armados" en un lugar donde se celebra una elección general o especial puede enfrentar hasta cinco años de prisión y la descalificación para ocupar cargos federales.
Litigios en curso
La controversia ha llegado a los tribunales. Una coalición integrada por LULAC, Common Cause, UnidosUS y la ciudad y el condado de Denver presentó una demanda ante el Tribunal de Distrito de EE.UU. para el Distrito de Columbia, con el DHS, Mullin, el ICE y el director interino de la agencia como acusados. Esta demanda argumenta que invoca una ley que el Congreso aprobó en los últimos meses de la Guerra Civil, para bloquear el despliegue del ICE en las urnas.
Además, la demanda de Democracy Forward alega que el Departamento de Justicia eliminó las directrices vigentes que explicaban las restricciones sobre la actividad de las fuerzas del orden federales en los centros de votación, y que agentes del ICE realizaron acciones de aplicación de la ley en sitios de votación activos en Texas y Nueva York.
Casos ya documentados
La preocupación no es solo teórica. La demanda menciona que en mayo, durante las primarias de San Antonio, agentes armados detuvieron a una persona en el estacionamiento de un centro de votación. El Brennan Center también documentó que en incidentes separados durante elecciones primarias recientes en San Antonio, Texas, y Simi Valley, California, agencias de seguridad locales respondieron a reportes de agentes del ICE presentes cerca de centros de votación y se asegura de que se retiraran.
En resumen
La respuesta corta es no: la ley federal prohíbe claramente que agentes armados del ICE u otras fuerzas federales patrullen o intervengan en los centros de votación. Sin embargo, existe una tensión activa entre esta prohibición legal y las declaraciones de funcionarios de la administración actual que sugieren posibles excepciones (amenazas u órdenes judiciales), lo cual ha generado demandas judiciales en curso y preparativos defensivos por parte de varios estados de cara a las elecciones de noviembre de 2026.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - States prep for ICE agents to be at polls, just in case - DHS chief says ICE could make arrests at polling places — ignoring federal ban on armed agents at voting sites - Democracy Docket - A second lawsuit challenges plans to put ICE agents near polling places - Government Executive - New Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration Plan to Send Armed ICE Officers Into Polling Places - Democracy Forward - Could ICE Really Show Up at Polling Places This November? Here’s What Legal Experts Want You to Know Before You Vote
English translation
Can ICE agents legally be present at polling places in the United States?
No, under current U.S. federal law, the presence of armed federal agents, including ICE personnel, at polling places is illegal. This is confirmed by multiple legal experts and organizations.
Legal Basis of the Prohibition
The primary legislative act is 18 U.S.C. § 592, which states that any federal official who orders, brings, or keeps "troops or armed men" at a place where a general or special election is held can face up to five years in prison and be disqualified from holding federal office.
This law, enacted in 1865, contains only a narrow exception: the law contains only a narrow exception when such force is necessary to "repel armed enemies of the United States."
In addition, there is another precedent from the practice of enforcing the law: the Department of Justice's own longstanding guidelines on election crimes have interpreted this prohibition to mean that FBI agents cannot conduct investigations inside polling places on Election Day, and U.S. Marshals cannot be stationed at open polling locations because they are armed while on duty. DOJ guidance has similarly indicated that federal prosecutors have "no authority to direct FBI special agents or U.S. Marshals to polling places."
Additional Legal Protection
Beyond this direct prohibition, there is protection against voter intimidation: anyone intimidated by ICE agents or military personnel can ask a judge to block such intimidation under the Voting Rights Act of 1965; the law also protects individuals "urging or helping others to vote" from intimidation. Moreover, under this law, a plaintiff only needs to prove that they were intimidated, rather than that the intimidating party had such an intent.
It is also important to note: many states also prohibit carrying weapons at or near polling places, though these exemptions often apply to local law enforcement, but do not always exempt federal law enforcement or military personnel from them.
Current Political Situation (2026)
Despite the unambiguous nature of the law, in 2026 this topic became the subject of sharp political debate in connection with the upcoming midterm elections:
- Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE agents could be present at polling places if they are executing an immigration warrant.
- In response, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows emphasized: "The Constitution and federal law prohibit ICE agents from being at polling places"... "As Secretary of State and Maine’s chief election official, we will not tolerate this lawless and reckless proposal."
- The situation escalated to the point where a coalition of civil rights groups and labor unions filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of ICE agents at polling places during the November midterm elections—marking the second such lawsuit this month, following statements by high-ranking administration officials regarding federal policy allowing ICE agents to enter polling locations under certain circumstances to conduct immigration enforcement.
- It was also reported that the Department of Justice removed longstanding guidelines clarifying restrictions on federal law enforcement activities at polling places, and that ICE agents had conducted enforcement actions at active polling locations in Texas and New York.
Practical Aspects
Experts note that a mass presence of ICE at all polling places is physically unrealistic: in 2024, there were 95,815 polling places in the U.S., whereas ICE, even accounting for a recent 120-percent surge in hiring, has around 22,000 agents—if the agency attempted to station a single agent at each polling place, it would cover only about a quarter of them.
Conclusion
Formally, the law is unambiguous: the deployment of armed federal agents, including ICE, at polling places or anywhere else where elections are held, is a violation of federal law. However, Trump administration officials have repeatedly refused to categorically rule out the possibility of such deployment, which has led to lawsuits and preparations by local authorities for potential unlawful actions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Original text
Могут ли агенты ICE законно находиться на избирательных участках в США?
Нет, по действующему федеральному законодательству США присутствие вооружённых федеральных агентов, включая сотрудников ICE, на избирательных участках является незаконным. Это подтверждают множественные юридические эксперты и организации.
Правовая основа запрета
Основной законодательный акт — § 592 Раздела 18 Свода законов США, согласно которому федеральный чиновник, который приказывает, приводит или удерживает «войска или вооружённых людей» в месте, где проходят общие или специальные выборы, может получить до пяти лет тюрьмы и лишение права занимать федеральную должность.
Этот закон, принятый в 1865 году, содержит лишь узкое исключение: закон содержит только узкое исключение, когда такая сила необходима для «отражения вооружённых врагов Соединённых Штатов».
Кроме того, действует и другой прецедент из практики применения закона: собственные давние руководящие принципы Министерства юстиции по избирательным преступлениям трактовали этот запрет как означающий, что агенты ФБР не могут проводить расследования внутри избирательных участков в день выборов, а заместители маршалов США не могут быть размещены на открытых участках, поскольку они вооружены во время исполнения обязанностей. Руководство Минюста аналогично указывало, что федеральные прокуроры не имеют «полномочий направлять специальных агентов ФБР или заместителей маршалов США на избирательные участки».
Дополнительная правовая защита
Помимо этого прямого запрета, существует защита от запугивания избирателей: любой, кого запугали агенты ICE или военные, может обратиться к судье с просьбой заблокировать такое запугивание в соответствии с Законом об избирательных правах 1965 года; закон также защищает людей, «призывающих или помогающих другим голосовать», от запугивания. При этом по этому закону истцу достаточно доказать, что он был запуган, а не то, что запугивающая сторона имела такое намерение.
Также важно отметить: многие штаты также запрещают ношение оружия на избирательных участках или рядом с ними, однако эти запреты часто содержат исключения для местных правоохранительных органов, но не всегда освобождают от них федеральных силовиков или военных.
Текущая политическая ситуация (2026)
Несмотря на однозначность закона, в 2026 году эта тема стала предметом острых политических споров в связи с предстоящими промежуточными выборами:
- Министр внутренней безопасности Марквейн Маллин заявил, что агенты ICE могут находиться на избирательных участках, если они исполняют иммиграционный ордер.
- В ответ секретарь штата Мэн Шенна Беллоуз подчеркнула: «Конституция и федеральный закон запрещают агентам ICE находиться на избирательных участках»... «Как секретарь штата и главное избирательное должностное лицо Мэна, мы не будем терпеть это беззаконное и безрассудное предложение».
- Ситуация обострилась настолько, что коалиция правозащитных групп и профсоюзов подала иск против администрации Трампа, чтобы предотвратить развёртывание агентов ICE на избирательных участках во время промежуточных выборов в ноябре — это уже второй такой иск в этом месяце, вслед за заявлениями высокопоставленных чиновников администрации о федеральной политике, разрешающей агентам ICE входить на избирательные участки в определённых обстоятельствах для проведения иммиграционных мероприятий.
- Также сообщалось, что Министерство юстиции удалило давние рекомендации, разъясняющие ограничения на деятельность федеральных правоохранительных органов на избирательных участках, а агенты ICE проводили правоприменительные действия на действующих избирательных участках в Техасе и Нью-Йорке.
Практические аспекты
Эксперты отмечают, что массовое присутствие ICE на всех участках физически малореалистично: в 2024 году в США было 95 815 избирательных участков, тогда как у ICE, даже учитывая недавний 120-процентный рост найма, около 22 000 агентов — если агентство попыталось бы разместить по одному агенту на каждом участке, оно покрыло бы лишь около четверти из них.
Итог
Формально закон однозначен: размещение вооружённых федеральных агентов, включая ICE, на избирательных участках или где-либо ещё, где проводятся выборы, является нарушением федерального закона. Однако представители администрации Трампа неоднократно отказывались категорически исключить возможность такого развёртывания, что привело к судебным искам и подготовке местных властей к возможным незаконным действиям в преддверии промежуточных выборов 2026 года.
DeepSeek V4 Flash
Repeated check: found in 1 of 3 answer rounds. The report shows answer round 1.
Evidence used for the finding
- Russian, English translation: “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted in 2026 to argue that it could direct ICE to polling places to "serve warrants" or respond to "threats," but these actions were immediately challenged in court.” Original passage: …ти на участок, если у них есть ордер? Нет. Закон § 592 не содержит исключения для исполнения ордеров. Министерство внутренней безопасности (DHS) в 2026 году пыталось утверждать, что может направлять ICE на участки для «обслуживания ордеров» или реагирования на «угрозы», однако эти действия были нем…
- Spanish, English translation: “shall be fined not more than $5,005 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both” Approximate place in the original: …lección general o especial, a menos que dicha fuerza sea necesaria para repeler enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos, será multada o encarcelada hasta cinco años, o ambas; y será inhabilitada para ocupar cualquier cargo de honor, provecho o confianza bajo los Estados Unidos." ### ¿Cubre esto a l… (No number or name from the quote was found here. This may be a nearby sentence.)*
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
The short answer is generally no — ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in their official capacity while armed, and doing so would likely violate multiple federal criminal statutes. However, there are narrow exceptions.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the law.
1. The Primary Federal Statute: 18 U.S.C. § 592 – "Troops at Polls"
This Civil War-era law (still in force) makes it a felony for any federal official to station armed personnel at a polling place:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Why this applies to ICE agents: - ICE agents are federal civil servants employed by the Department of Homeland Security, falling under "civil service of the United States." - ICE agents carry firearms as standard equipment, making them "armed men" under the statute. - The only exception — "repel armed enemies of the United States" — refers to a foreign military attack, not routine law enforcement. Congress removed the "keep the peace" exception in 1909 precisely to prevent pretextual deployments.
The DOJ's own interpretation confirms this. The Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (7th ed., 2007) states:
> "A federal statute makes it a felony for any federal official to send 'armed men' to the vicinity of open polling places. 18 U.S.C. § 592. In light of these considerations, Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves an intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section."
In October 2024, the DOJ's Public Integrity Section sent a memo to all federal law enforcement agencies explicitly warning that § 592 "makes it a felony for a federal official to send armed personnel to an operational polling place for crowd control or other purposes."
2. Other Federal Laws That Also Prohibit This
| Statute | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Members of the Armed Forces interfering with election officials or voters |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person to interfere with their right to vote |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Federal civilian employees using official authority to influence federal elections (part of the Hatch Act) |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (VRA § 11(b)) | Prohibits any person from intimidating voters — no proof of intent required, only that the conduct had an intimidating effect |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiracy to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including voting) |
3. Exceptions (When an ICE Agent Can Be at a Polling Place)
There are three recognized exceptions:
-
Voting in a personal capacity. An ICE agent may enter a polling place to cast their own vote and may carry their service weapon while doing so. (Per DOJ guidance, this is not a violation of § 592.)
-
After a polling place has ceased operations. If a polling place is closed due to an emergency (e.g., a bomb threat or active shooter has been resolved and voting has ended), armed federal response is no longer covered by the statute.
-
Repelling armed enemies of the United States. This is the statutory exception — but it refers to a foreign military attack on the polling place, not ordinary law enforcement.
What is NOT an exception: - "Keeping the peace" (this exception was repealed in 1909) - Investigating immigration status - General law enforcement activities - Responding to a false report of violence (the DOJ memo specifically warned agents about bad actors trying to lure them into violating § 592)
4. State Law Protections
Every state has laws against voter intimidation, and many states specifically restrict firearms at or near polling places. Key points:
- State criminal laws apply to everyone, including federal officials. While federal actors may claim a defense if acting within their legal duties, committing a federal crime (like violating § 592) cannot be part of their legal duties — making them potentially subject to state prosecution.
- California and Colorado have laws creating a presumption that carrying a weapon near protected election activity is intimidating. This presumption applies to federal agents (though not to state law enforcement).
- Some states (e.g., Rhode Island has proposed legislation) are considering laws that explicitly bar ICE agents from coming within a certain distance of polling places.
5. Practical Enforcement & Remedies
| Mechanism | Who Can Use It |
|---|---|
| Federal criminal prosecution | DOJ (unlikely under an administration that ordered the deployment) |
| Private civil lawsuit | Voters, advocacy groups, and municipalities can sue under the Voting Rights Act for an injunction to stop the presence — and only need to prove intimidating effect, not intent |
| State criminal prosecution | State and local prosecutors (who are independent of the federal government) |
| State civil lawsuit | States can sue in federal court for injunctive relief based on violations of federal law |
Caveat: There is no published case law directly applying § 592 to ICE agents specifically. A narrow reading could argue the statute targets organized military units rather than individual law enforcement officers. However, the DOJ's own manual and the plain text ("armed men" of the "civil service") strongly support coverage of ICE agents.
Summary
| Scenario | Legal? |
|---|---|
| ICE agent enters polling place in uniform, armed, on official duty (e.g., to conduct immigration enforcement) | Illegal — violates 18 U.S.C. § 592 and likely other federal laws |
| ICE agent enters to vote in personal capacity, carrying service weapon | Legal — explicit exception |
| ICE agent responds to an active shooter after polling has ceased | Legal — no longer an operational polling place |
| ICE agent responds to a false report of violence while polls are open | Illegal — the DOJ specifically warned about this trap |
| ICE agent stands outside a polling place, visible and armed | Likely illegal — § 592 covers "the vicinity of open polling places" per DOJ policy, and the intimidating effect could violate the VRA |
Bottom line: Federal law is clear that armed federal agents — including ICE — cannot be deployed to polling places for law enforcement, immigration enforcement, crowd control, or any purpose other than repelling a foreign military attack. The law exists precisely to prevent the federal government from using armed force to influence or intimidate voters on Election Day.
Original text
The short answer is generally no — ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in their official capacity while armed, and doing so would likely violate multiple federal criminal statutes. However, there are narrow exceptions.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the law.
1. The Primary Federal Statute: 18 U.S.C. § 592 – "Troops at Polls"
This Civil War-era law (still in force) makes it a felony for any federal official to station armed personnel at a polling place:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Why this applies to ICE agents: - ICE agents are federal civil servants employed by the Department of Homeland Security, falling under "civil service of the United States." - ICE agents carry firearms as standard equipment, making them "armed men" under the statute. - The only exception — "repel armed enemies of the United States" — refers to a foreign military attack, not routine law enforcement. Congress removed the "keep the peace" exception in 1909 precisely to prevent pretextual deployments.
The DOJ's own interpretation confirms this. The Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (7th ed., 2007) states:
> "A federal statute makes it a felony for any federal official to send 'armed men' to the vicinity of open polling places. 18 U.S.C. § 592. In light of these considerations, Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves an intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section."
In October 2024, the DOJ's Public Integrity Section sent a memo to all federal law enforcement agencies explicitly warning that § 592 "makes it a felony for a federal official to send armed personnel to an operational polling place for crowd control or other purposes."
2. Other Federal Laws That Also Prohibit This
| Statute | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Members of the Armed Forces interfering with election officials or voters |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person to interfere with their right to vote |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Federal civilian employees using official authority to influence federal elections (part of the Hatch Act) |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (VRA § 11(b)) | Prohibits any person from intimidating voters — no proof of intent required, only that the conduct had an intimidating effect |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiracy to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including voting) |
3. Exceptions (When an ICE Agent Can Be at a Polling Place)
There are three recognized exceptions:
-
Voting in a personal capacity. An ICE agent may enter a polling place to cast their own vote and may carry their service weapon while doing so. (Per DOJ guidance, this is not a violation of § 592.)
-
After a polling place has ceased operations. If a polling place is closed due to an emergency (e.g., a bomb threat or active shooter has been resolved and voting has ended), armed federal response is no longer covered by the statute.
-
Repelling armed enemies of the United States. This is the statutory exception — but it refers to a foreign military attack on the polling place, not ordinary law enforcement.
What is NOT an exception: - "Keeping the peace" (this exception was repealed in 1909) - Investigating immigration status - General law enforcement activities - Responding to a false report of violence (the DOJ memo specifically warned agents about bad actors trying to lure them into violating § 592)
4. State Law Protections
Every state has laws against voter intimidation, and many states specifically restrict firearms at or near polling places. Key points:
- State criminal laws apply to everyone, including federal officials. While federal actors may claim a defense if acting within their legal duties, committing a federal crime (like violating § 592) cannot be part of their legal duties — making them potentially subject to state prosecution.
- California and Colorado have laws creating a presumption that carrying a weapon near protected election activity is intimidating. This presumption applies to federal agents (though not to state law enforcement).
- Some states (e.g., Rhode Island has proposed legislation) are considering laws that explicitly bar ICE agents from coming within a certain distance of polling places.
5. Practical Enforcement & Remedies
| Mechanism | Who Can Use It |
|---|---|
| Federal criminal prosecution | DOJ (unlikely under an administration that ordered the deployment) |
| Private civil lawsuit | Voters, advocacy groups, and municipalities can sue under the Voting Rights Act for an injunction to stop the presence — and only need to prove intimidating effect, not intent |
| State criminal prosecution | State and local prosecutors (who are independent of the federal government) |
| State civil lawsuit | States can sue in federal court for injunctive relief based on violations of federal law |
Caveat: There is no published case law directly applying § 592 to ICE agents specifically. A narrow reading could argue the statute targets organized military units rather than individual law enforcement officers. However, the DOJ's own manual and the plain text ("armed men" of the "civil service") strongly support coverage of ICE agents.
Summary
| Scenario | Legal? |
|---|---|
| ICE agent enters polling place in uniform, armed, on official duty (e.g., to conduct immigration enforcement) | Illegal — violates 18 U.S.C. § 592 and likely other federal laws |
| ICE agent enters to vote in personal capacity, carrying service weapon | Legal — explicit exception |
| ICE agent responds to an active shooter after polling has ceased | Legal — no longer an operational polling place |
| ICE agent responds to a false report of violence while polls are open | Illegal — the DOJ specifically warned about this trap |
| ICE agent stands outside a polling place, visible and armed | Likely illegal — § 592 covers "the vicinity of open polling places" per DOJ policy, and the intimidating effect could violate the VRA |
Bottom line: Federal law is clear that armed federal agents — including ICE — cannot be deployed to polling places for law enforcement, immigration enforcement, crowd control, or any purpose other than repelling a foreign military attack. The law exists precisely to prevent the federal government from using armed force to influence or intimidate voters on Election Day.
English — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
No — with very narrow exceptions, it is illegal for ICE agents (or any armed federal law enforcement officers) to enter or be stationed at polling places on Election Day. Here is the legal framework:
1. The Core Federal Felony: 18 U.S.C. § 592 — “Troops at Polls”
The principal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592, which makes it a felony (punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, and permanent disqualification from holding federal office) for:
> “Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.”
Why this covers ICE agents
- “Civil service of the United States” — ICE agents are federal civilian employees of the Department of Homeland Security. The DOJ’s own Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (7th ed. 2007) confirms that § 592 applies broadly to “armed federal agents,” not just military troops.
- “Armed men” — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents carry firearms as standard equipment. The statute uses “troops or armed men” in the disjunctive, covering individual armed officers.
- “Any place where an election is held” — This includes polling places, vote‑counting facilities, and (by extension) drop‑box locations.
The DOJ’s Public Integrity Section has explicitly warned federal law enforcement that § 592 “makes it a felony for a federal official to send armed personnel to an operational polling place for crowd control or other purposes.” (Memo from Corey R. Amundson, Oct. 15, 2024.)
2. Other Federal Laws That Also Prohibit This
| Statute | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Bars members of the Armed Forces from interfering with election officials or intimidating voters. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Makes it a crime for anyone (including federal agents) to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a person for the purpose of interfering with their right to vote. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 (Hatch Act) | Prohibits federal employees from using official authority to influence federal elections. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Voting Rights Act § 11(b)) | Prohibits any person (under color of law or otherwise) from intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person for voting or attempting to vote. No proof of intent is required — only that the conduct had an intimidating effect on a reasonable voter. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Makes it a federal crime to intimidate a voter or anyone urging or aiding a person to vote. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiracy to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including the right to vote). |
3. The Only Exceptions
The law is extremely narrow. There are two recognized exceptions:
-
To repel armed enemies of the United States — This means a foreign military attack on the polling place itself. It does not cover ordinary law enforcement, crowd control, or responding to civil disturbances. (In 1909, Congress removed an earlier exception for “keeping peace at the polls” precisely to prevent pretextual deployments.)
-
A federal agent voting in their personal capacity — An ICE agent may carry their service weapon while entering a polling place to cast their own vote, provided they are otherwise qualified to vote under state law. They cannot be there in any official enforcement capacity.
A DOJ memo also noted that the statute does not apply after a polling place has ceased operations (e.g., after an emergency evacuation), but that is not a license to be present while voting is ongoing.
4. State Laws Add Additional Layers
- Every state has laws criminalizing voter intimidation, which apply to federal officials as well as private actors.
- Many states prohibit carrying firearms at or near polling places. These laws often exempt state and local law enforcement but do not always exempt federal agents.
- Rhode Island and Virginia have enacted specific statutes prohibiting federal immigration and customs enforcement agents from entering or being near polling places.
- California and Colorado create a legal presumption that carrying a weapon near protected election activity is intimidating — and that presumption applies to federal agents (even though it does not apply to state officers).
- In the 2026 legislative session, at least 10 states introduced bills specifically barring immigration enforcement at polling places.
5. What Can Be Done If ICE Agents Appear at a Polling Place
- Report to local election officials immediately.
- Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline: 1‑866‑OUR‑VOTE (or 1‑888‑VE‑Y‑VOTA for Spanish, 888‑API‑VOTE for Asian languages, 844‑YALLA‑US for Arabic/English).
- Seek a court injunction — Voters, election workers, and advocacy organizations can sue under the Voting Rights Act (which does not require proof of intent) or under 18 U.S.C. § 592 to get a court order stopping the presence.
- State and local prosecutors can bring state criminal charges, since committing a federal crime cannot be part of a federal agent’s legal duties.
Bottom Line
ICE agents have no lawful business at polling places on Election Day. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) makes it a felony for any armed federal civilian officer to be stationed at or near an open polling place, with the sole exception of repelling a foreign military attack. The DOJ itself has confirmed this interpretation, and multiple other federal and state laws reinforce the prohibition. Any deployment of ICE agents to polling sites for immigration enforcement, voter‑fraud investigation, or “crowd control” would be illegal.
Original text
No — with very narrow exceptions, it is illegal for ICE agents (or any armed federal law enforcement officers) to enter or be stationed at polling places on Election Day. Here is the legal framework:
1. The Core Federal Felony: 18 U.S.C. § 592 — “Troops at Polls”
The principal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592, which makes it a felony (punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, and permanent disqualification from holding federal office) for:
> “Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.”
Why this covers ICE agents
- “Civil service of the United States” — ICE agents are federal civilian employees of the Department of Homeland Security. The DOJ’s own Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (7th ed. 2007) confirms that § 592 applies broadly to “armed federal agents,” not just military troops.
- “Armed men” — ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) agents carry firearms as standard equipment. The statute uses “troops or armed men” in the disjunctive, covering individual armed officers.
- “Any place where an election is held” — This includes polling places, vote‑counting facilities, and (by extension) drop‑box locations.
The DOJ’s Public Integrity Section has explicitly warned federal law enforcement that § 592 “makes it a felony for a federal official to send armed personnel to an operational polling place for crowd control or other purposes.” (Memo from Corey R. Amundson, Oct. 15, 2024.)
2. Other Federal Laws That Also Prohibit This
| Statute | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Bars members of the Armed Forces from interfering with election officials or intimidating voters. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Makes it a crime for anyone (including federal agents) to intimidate, threaten, or coerce a person for the purpose of interfering with their right to vote. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 (Hatch Act) | Prohibits federal employees from using official authority to influence federal elections. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Voting Rights Act § 11(b)) | Prohibits any person (under color of law or otherwise) from intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person for voting or attempting to vote. No proof of intent is required — only that the conduct had an intimidating effect on a reasonable voter. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Makes it a federal crime to intimidate a voter or anyone urging or aiding a person to vote. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiracy to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including the right to vote). |
3. The Only Exceptions
The law is extremely narrow. There are two recognized exceptions:
-
To repel armed enemies of the United States — This means a foreign military attack on the polling place itself. It does not cover ordinary law enforcement, crowd control, or responding to civil disturbances. (In 1909, Congress removed an earlier exception for “keeping peace at the polls” precisely to prevent pretextual deployments.)
-
A federal agent voting in their personal capacity — An ICE agent may carry their service weapon while entering a polling place to cast their own vote, provided they are otherwise qualified to vote under state law. They cannot be there in any official enforcement capacity.
A DOJ memo also noted that the statute does not apply after a polling place has ceased operations (e.g., after an emergency evacuation), but that is not a license to be present while voting is ongoing.
4. State Laws Add Additional Layers
- Every state has laws criminalizing voter intimidation, which apply to federal officials as well as private actors.
- Many states prohibit carrying firearms at or near polling places. These laws often exempt state and local law enforcement but do not always exempt federal agents.
- Rhode Island and Virginia have enacted specific statutes prohibiting federal immigration and customs enforcement agents from entering or being near polling places.
- California and Colorado create a legal presumption that carrying a weapon near protected election activity is intimidating — and that presumption applies to federal agents (even though it does not apply to state officers).
- In the 2026 legislative session, at least 10 states introduced bills specifically barring immigration enforcement at polling places.
5. What Can Be Done If ICE Agents Appear at a Polling Place
- Report to local election officials immediately.
- Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline: 1‑866‑OUR‑VOTE (or 1‑888‑VE‑Y‑VOTA for Spanish, 888‑API‑VOTE for Asian languages, 844‑YALLA‑US for Arabic/English).
- Seek a court injunction — Voters, election workers, and advocacy organizations can sue under the Voting Rights Act (which does not require proof of intent) or under 18 U.S.C. § 592 to get a court order stopping the presence.
- State and local prosecutors can bring state criminal charges, since committing a federal crime cannot be part of a federal agent’s legal duties.
Bottom Line
ICE agents have no lawful business at polling places on Election Day. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) makes it a felony for any armed federal civilian officer to be stationed at or near an open polling place, with the sole exception of repelling a foreign military attack. The DOJ itself has confirmed this interpretation, and multiple other federal and state laws reinforce the prohibition. Any deployment of ICE agents to polling sites for immigration enforcement, voter‑fraud investigation, or “crowd control” would be illegal.
English — answer round 3
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
The short answer is generally no — ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in an official enforcement capacity. Federal law makes it a felony, and the Department of Justice has long interpreted that prohibition to cover armed federal law enforcement officers like ICE agents. However, there are a few important nuances.
The Core Federal Prohibition: 18 U.S.C. § 592
The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls"), which makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States."
Why this covers ICE agents: - ICE agents are federal civil servants employed by the Department of Homeland Security. - They are armed as a condition of their job. - The statute explicitly covers persons "in the civil … service of the United States," not just the military. - The only exception — "to repel armed enemies of the United States" — refers to repelling a foreign military attack on a polling place. It has never been invoked in U.S. history. (Congress removed a "keep the peace" exception in 1909 precisely to prevent abuse.)
DOJ's Own Interpretation
The Department of Justice's Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (the authoritative guide for federal prosecutors) confirms this reading:
> "A federal statute makes it a felony for any federal official to send 'armed men' to the vicinity of open polling places. 18 U.S.C. § 592. In light of these considerations, Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves an intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section."
The DOJ has also long taken the position that § 592 prohibits FBI Special Agents and Deputy U.S. Marshals from being stationed at open polls because they are required to carry weapons while on duty — the same logic applies to ICE agents.
Other Federal Laws That Apply
Even if § 592 were somehow not triggered, multiple other federal laws independently prohibit ICE agents from entering polling places for enforcement purposes:
| Law | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Members of the armed forces from interfering with election officers or preventing qualified voters from voting |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Government employees from using official authority to interfere with federal elections (part of the Hatch Act) |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Intimidating or attempting to intimidate any person voting or urging others to vote |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiring to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including voting) |
| Voting Rights Act § 11(b) (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) | Intimidating voters or those aiding voters — notably, no proof of intent is required, only that the conduct had an intimidating effect |
Important Nuances
✅ ICE Agents Can Vote ICE agents, like all citizens, may enter a polling place to cast their own ballot. The statute explicitly preserves the right of armed forces members to vote, and the same principle applies to federal law enforcement officers voting as private citizens. However, ICE has internally reminded its employees not to wear uniforms or display badges while voting to avoid intimidating other voters — a policy that predates the current administration and reflects longstanding federal law.
❌ Primaries vs. General Elections Section 592 applies by its terms to "general or special election[s]" — not necessarily to primary elections. However: - Many states have their own laws that cover primaries. - Other federal laws (like the voter intimidation statutes) apply regardless of the type of election. - The 2026 Syracuse incident (see below) involved ICE agents entering a polling place during New York's primary and was widely criticized as potentially illegal under state and federal law.
❌ The "Vicinity" Question The statute covers "any place where a general or special election is held." The DOJ manual treats this as including the area immediately surrounding an open polling place. Even parking lots and adjacent areas may be covered if their proximity would intimidate voters.
State Laws Add Another Layer
Every state has laws against voter intimidation, and many specifically restrict firearms or law enforcement presence at polling places. Some states have gone further:
- New York enacted a law specifically barring immigration agents from entering voting sites.
- North Carolina State Board of Elections guidance advises county boards to "avoid having law enforcement officers stationed at a voting place while voting is occurring."
- Many states' firearm restrictions at polling places do not exempt federal law enforcement, creating potential state criminal liability for armed ICE agents who enter.
Real-World Incident: Syracuse, New York (June 2026)
In June 2026, two ICE agents entered a polling place in Syracuse, New York during the state's primary election to confront a poll worker about a social media post. The incident:
- Occurred while voting was ongoing (between 6 PM and 9 PM).
- Involved armed federal agents (they wore badges and drove a government vehicle).
- Was not related to any emergency or election security issue.
The Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner called the presence "inappropriate," and the New York Attorney General's office investigated. The incident was widely cited as a potential violation of both federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) and New York state law.
Bottom Line
| Scenario | Legal? |
|---|---|
| ICE agent enters polling place to vote (out of uniform, no badge displayed) | ✅ Yes — protected as a citizen voting |
| ICE agent enters polling place in official capacity (uniformed, armed, on duty) | ❌ No — likely a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 592 |
| ICE agent stationed outside a polling place in official capacity | ❌ No — DOJ interprets § 592 to cover the "vicinity" of polls |
| ICE agent enters during a primary (not a general/special election) | ⚠️ Grey area under federal law, but likely violates state law and other federal voter-intimidation statutes |
| ICE agent enters to repel armed enemies of the United States | ✅ Yes — but this exception has never been used and refers only to foreign military attack |
The consensus among legal experts, the Brennan Center, the ACLU, and the DOJ's own manual is clear: Sending armed ICE agents to polling places for enforcement purposes is illegal under long-standing federal law, and any voter who is intimidated by such presence can seek injunctive relief in federal court under the Voting Rights Act and other statutes.
Original text
The short answer is generally no — ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in an official enforcement capacity. Federal law makes it a felony, and the Department of Justice has long interpreted that prohibition to cover armed federal law enforcement officers like ICE agents. However, there are a few important nuances.
The Core Federal Prohibition: 18 U.S.C. § 592
The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls"), which makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States."
Why this covers ICE agents: - ICE agents are federal civil servants employed by the Department of Homeland Security. - They are armed as a condition of their job. - The statute explicitly covers persons "in the civil … service of the United States," not just the military. - The only exception — "to repel armed enemies of the United States" — refers to repelling a foreign military attack on a polling place. It has never been invoked in U.S. history. (Congress removed a "keep the peace" exception in 1909 precisely to prevent abuse.)
DOJ's Own Interpretation
The Department of Justice's Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual (the authoritative guide for federal prosecutors) confirms this reading:
> "A federal statute makes it a felony for any federal official to send 'armed men' to the vicinity of open polling places. 18 U.S.C. § 592. In light of these considerations, Department and FBI policy requires that any investigative action that involves an intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately surrounding an open polling place be approved by the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section."
The DOJ has also long taken the position that § 592 prohibits FBI Special Agents and Deputy U.S. Marshals from being stationed at open polls because they are required to carry weapons while on duty — the same logic applies to ICE agents.
Other Federal Laws That Apply
Even if § 592 were somehow not triggered, multiple other federal laws independently prohibit ICE agents from entering polling places for enforcement purposes:
| Law | What It Prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Members of the armed forces from interfering with election officers or preventing qualified voters from voting |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Government employees from using official authority to interfere with federal elections (part of the Hatch Act) |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Intimidating or attempting to intimidate any person voting or urging others to vote |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiring to threaten or intimidate anyone from exercising constitutional rights (including voting) |
| Voting Rights Act § 11(b) (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) | Intimidating voters or those aiding voters — notably, no proof of intent is required, only that the conduct had an intimidating effect |
Important Nuances
✅ ICE Agents Can Vote ICE agents, like all citizens, may enter a polling place to cast their own ballot. The statute explicitly preserves the right of armed forces members to vote, and the same principle applies to federal law enforcement officers voting as private citizens. However, ICE has internally reminded its employees not to wear uniforms or display badges while voting to avoid intimidating other voters — a policy that predates the current administration and reflects longstanding federal law.
❌ Primaries vs. General Elections Section 592 applies by its terms to "general or special election[s]" — not necessarily to primary elections. However: - Many states have their own laws that cover primaries. - Other federal laws (like the voter intimidation statutes) apply regardless of the type of election. - The 2026 Syracuse incident (see below) involved ICE agents entering a polling place during New York's primary and was widely criticized as potentially illegal under state and federal law.
❌ The "Vicinity" Question The statute covers "any place where a general or special election is held." The DOJ manual treats this as including the area immediately surrounding an open polling place. Even parking lots and adjacent areas may be covered if their proximity would intimidate voters.
State Laws Add Another Layer
Every state has laws against voter intimidation, and many specifically restrict firearms or law enforcement presence at polling places. Some states have gone further:
- New York enacted a law specifically barring immigration agents from entering voting sites.
- North Carolina State Board of Elections guidance advises county boards to "avoid having law enforcement officers stationed at a voting place while voting is occurring."
- Many states' firearm restrictions at polling places do not exempt federal law enforcement, creating potential state criminal liability for armed ICE agents who enter.
Real-World Incident: Syracuse, New York (June 2026)
In June 2026, two ICE agents entered a polling place in Syracuse, New York during the state's primary election to confront a poll worker about a social media post. The incident:
- Occurred while voting was ongoing (between 6 PM and 9 PM).
- Involved armed federal agents (they wore badges and drove a government vehicle).
- Was not related to any emergency or election security issue.
The Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner called the presence "inappropriate," and the New York Attorney General's office investigated. The incident was widely cited as a potential violation of both federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) and New York state law.
Bottom Line
| Scenario | Legal? |
|---|---|
| ICE agent enters polling place to vote (out of uniform, no badge displayed) | ✅ Yes — protected as a citizen voting |
| ICE agent enters polling place in official capacity (uniformed, armed, on duty) | ❌ No — likely a felony under 18 U.S.C. § 592 |
| ICE agent stationed outside a polling place in official capacity | ❌ No — DOJ interprets § 592 to cover the "vicinity" of polls |
| ICE agent enters during a primary (not a general/special election) | ⚠️ Grey area under federal law, but likely violates state law and other federal voter-intimidation statutes |
| ICE agent enters to repel armed enemies of the United States | ✅ Yes — but this exception has never been used and refers only to foreign military attack |
The consensus among legal experts, the Brennan Center, the ACLU, and the DOJ's own manual is clear: Sending armed ICE agents to polling places for enforcement purposes is illegal under long-standing federal law, and any voter who is intimidated by such presence can seek injunctive relief in federal court under the Voting Rights Act and other statutes.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
Can ICE agents legally enter polling places on Election Day?
The short answer is: generally, no. Federal law and state laws prohibit armed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents from showing up at polling places in their official capacity. Below is the detailed legal framework.
1. Federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 — "Troops at polls"
This law, in effect since 1865, establishes that:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined not more than $5,005 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and shall be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Does this cover ICE agents?
- Yes. The law applies to any person in the U.S. "civil service," which includes civilian federal employees such as ICE agents.
- "Armed men": ICE agents carry firearms as part of their standard equipment.
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) itself confirms in its Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual that § 592 prohibits armed federal agents from approaching polling places. The manual states verbatim:
> "The U.S. Attorney has no authority to dispatch FBI Special Agents or U.S. Marshals to polling places. In fact, a federal statute makes it a felony for any federal official to send 'armed men' to the vicinity of open polling places. 18 U.S.C. § 592."
2. Laws against voter intimidation
- Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b): Prohibits intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person for voting or attempting to vote, or for urging or helping others to vote. It does not require proving intent to intimidate; it is enough to show that the conduct had the effect of intimidating.
- 18 U.S.C. § 594: Federal crime to intimidate voters.
- 18 U.S.C. § 241: Conspiracy to violate constitutional rights (including voting).
The presence of armed ICE agents at polling places—especially in immigrant communities—has a proven intimidatory effect, which would violate these laws.
3. State laws
Each state has its own laws restricting who can be at polling places:
- General laws: Many states prohibit the presence of armed individuals or security personnel at polling places, with limited exceptions for state law enforcement officers when called by election officials to maintain order.
- Specific laws against ICE: Several states have passed laws explicitly prohibiting the presence of ICE agents near polling places:
- Rhode Island (2026): Prohibits ICE employees, agents, or officers from being within 200 feet (≈61 m) of any polling place.
- California, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut and others have proposed or passed similar laws.
- Presumption of intimidation: In California and Colorado, the law creates a presumption that carrying a weapon near election activities constitutes intimidation (this applies to federal agents, though not to state police).
4. Limited exceptions
The law allows ICE agents to enter a polling place only under these circumstances:
- To vote as private citizens: If an ICE agent is properly registered to vote in that district, they may enter to exercise their right to vote, just like any other citizen. Federal law explicitly excepts the exercise of suffrage.
- Genuine emergency: If there is an armed attack against the polling place, federal force could intervene to "repel armed enemies." This exception is extremely narrow and does not cover public disturbance situations (in fact, Congress removed the "keep the peace" exception in 1909 precisely to prevent abuses).
- Invitation by election authorities: In some states, if election officials specifically request assistance from federal authorities to maintain order, their presence might be permitted, but this is unusual and must be coordinated with local authorities.
5. What can voters do if they see ICE agents at a polling place?
- Report it immediately to local election officials.
- Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (election assistance hotline).
- Seek a court order (injunction) to stop the intimidating conduct.
- Local authorities (state prosecutors) can bring state criminal charges if local laws are violated.
Conclusion
In their official capacity, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day. Doing so would violate:
- 18 U.S.C. § 592 (felony: sending armed men to polling places).
- The Voting Rights Act (voter intimidation).
- Possibly specific state laws.
The only clear exception is for an ICE agent to enter as a private voter to exercise their right to suffrage, provided they are registered in that district. Any other armed official presence lacks legal grounds and constitutes illegal federal interference in elections, which are administered by the states.
> "The law is clear: sending armed federal agents, including ICE agents, to polling places is illegal." — Brennan Center for Justice
Original text
¿Pueden los agentes del ICE entrar legalmente en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones?
La respuesta corta es: en general, no. La ley federal y las leyes estatales prohíben que agentes armados del ICE (Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas) se presenten en los centros de votación en su capacidad oficial. A continuación, el marco legal detallado.
1. Ley federal: 18 U.S.C. § 592 — "Troops at polls"
Esta ley, vigente desde 1865, establece que:
> "Cualquier persona que sea oficial del Ejército o la Armada, u otra persona del servicio civil, militar o naval de los Estados Unidos, que ordene, traiga, mantenga o tenga bajo su autoridad o control tropas u hombres armados en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección general o especial, a menos que dicha fuerza sea necesaria para repeler enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos, será multada o encarcelada hasta cinco años, o ambas; y será inhabilitada para ocupar cualquier cargo de honor, provecho o confianza bajo los Estados Unidos."
¿Cubre esto a los agentes del ICE?
- Sí. La ley se aplica a cualquier persona en el "servicio civil" de EE.UU., lo que incluye a los empleados federales civiles como los agentes del ICE.
- "Hombres armados": Los agentes del ICE portan armas de fuego como parte de su equipo estándar.
- El propio Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) confirma en su Manual de Enjuiciamiento de Delitos Electorales que el § 592 prohíbe a los agentes federales armados acercarse a los centros de votación. El manual dice textualmente:
> "El fiscal federal no tiene autoridad para enviar Agentes Especiales del FBI o Alguaciles Adjuntos de EE.UU. a los centros de votación. De hecho, un estatuto federal convierte en delito grave que cualquier funcionario federal envíe 'hombres armados' a las inmediaciones de centros de votación abiertos. 18 U.S.C. § 592."
2. Leyes contra la intimidación de votantes
- Ley de Derecho al Voto (Voting Rights Act), 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b): Prohíbe intimidar, amenazar o coaccionar a cualquier persona por votar o intentar votar, o por instar o ayudar a otros a votar. No requiere probar intención de intimidar; basta con demostrar que la conducta tuvo el efecto de intimidar.
- 18 U.S.C. § 594: Delito federal intimidar a votantes.
- 18 U.S.C. § 241: Conspiración para violar derechos constitucionales (incluyendo el voto).
La presencia de agentes armados del ICE en centros de votación —especialmente en comunidades inmigrantes— tiene un efecto intimidatorio comprobado, lo que violaría estas leyes.
3. Leyes estatales
Cada estado tiene sus propias leyes que restringen quién puede estar en los centros de votación:
- Leyes generales: Muchos estados prohíben la presencia de personas armadas o personal de seguridad en los centros de votación, con excepciones limitadas para agentes de la ley estatales cuando son llamados por funcionarios electorales para mantener el orden.
- Leyes específicas contra el ICE: Varios estados han aprobado leyes que prohíben explícitamente la presencia de agentes del ICE cerca de centros de votación:
- Rhode Island (2026): Prohíbe a empleados, agentes o funcionarios del ICE estar a menos de 200 pies (≈61 m) de cualquier centro de votación.
- California, Nuevo México, Virginia, Washington, Connecticut y otros han propuesto o aprobado leyes similares.
- Presunción de intimidación: En California y Colorado, la ley crea una presunción de que portar un arma cerca de actividades electorales constituye intimidación (esto aplica a agentes federales, aunque no a policías estatales).
4. Excepciones limitadas
La ley permite que agentes del ICE entren a un centro de votación solo en estas circunstancias:
- Para votar como ciudadanos particulares: Si un agente del ICE está debidamente registrado para votar en ese distrito, puede ingresar a ejercer su derecho al voto, como cualquier otro ciudadano. La ley federal exceptúa explícitamente el ejercicio del sufragio.
- Emergencia genuina: Si hay un ataque armado contra el centro de votación, la fuerza federal podría intervenir para "repeler enemigos armados". Esta excepción es extremadamente estrecha y no cubre situaciones de alteración del orden público (de hecho, el Congreso eliminó en 1909 la excepción de "mantener la paz" precisamente para evitar abusos).
- Invitación de autoridades electorales: En algunos estados, si los funcionarios electorales solicitan específicamente asistencia de las autoridades federales para mantener el orden, podría permitirse su presencia, pero esto es inusual y debe coordinarse con las autoridades locales.
5. ¿Qué pueden hacer los votantes si ven agentes del ICE en un centro de votación?
- Reportarlo inmediatamente a los funcionarios electorales locales.
- Llamar o enviar un mensaje de texto al 866-OUR-VOTE (línea de asistencia electoral).
- Buscar una orden judicial (injunción) para detener la conducta intimidatoria.
- Las autoridades locales (fiscales estatales) pueden presentar cargos penales estatales si se violan las leyes locales.
Conclusión
En su capacidad oficial, los agentes del ICE no pueden ingresar legalmente a los centros de votación el día de las elecciones. Hacerlo violaría:
- El 18 U.S.C. § 592 (delito grave: enviar hombres armados a centros de votación).
- La Ley de Derecho al Voto (intimidación de votantes).
- Posiblemente leyes estatales específicas.
La única excepción clara es que un agente del ICE ingrese como votante particular para ejercer su derecho al sufragio, siempre que esté registrado en ese distrito. Cualquier otra presencia oficial armada carece de fundamento legal y constituye una interferencia federal ilegal en las elecciones, que son administradas por los estados.
> "La ley es clara: enviar agentes federales armados, incluidos los del ICE, a los centros de votación es ilegal." — Brennan Center for Justice
Spanish — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
The short answer is that, in general, it is not legal for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents to enter polling places armed on election day, except in extremely exceptional circumstances. Here I explain the legal framework in detail.
1. The main federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls")
This law, in effect since 1865, establishes:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Does it apply to ICE?
- Yes. ICE agents are federal civil employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and carry firearms as part of their standard equipment. The law expressly covers individuals in the U.S. "civil service," not just military personnel.
- The Department of Justice's (DOJ) own Election Crimes Manual confirms that § 592 prohibits sending "armed federal agents" to the vicinity of open polling places.
Single exception
The only exception in the law is to repel armed enemies of the United States (that is, a foreign military attack). There is no exception for: - Enforcing immigration laws. - Serving arrest warrants or subpoenas. - "Maintaining the peace" (that exception was repealed by Congress in 1909 precisely to prevent abuses). - Responding to general threats (such as riots or common crimes).
2. Other applicable federal laws
In addition to § 592, there are other prohibitions:
| Law | What it prohibits |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Prohibits members of the armed forces from interfering with election officers. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Prohibits federal employees from using their official authority to interfere in federal elections (part of the Hatch Act). |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Federal crime to intimidate or attempt to intimidate a voter or those assisting voters. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiracy to threaten or intimidate someone in the exercise of their constitutional rights (including voting). |
| Voting Rights Act § 11(b) (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) | Prohibits voter intimidation, without needing to prove intent; demonstrating the intimidating effect is sufficient. |
3. Can an ICE agent enter to vote?
Yes. Section 592 itself clarifies that it does not prevent a member of the armed forces (and by extension, any federal agent) from exercising their right to vote if they are qualified under state laws. They may carry their service weapon while voting, but they cannot perform official duties.
4. What happens if there is an emergency (bomb, active shooter)?
The DOJ has interpreted that the law does not apply once the polling place has ceased operations. For example, if there is a bomb threat and the polling place is closed, armed federal agents can respond after closure. However, while the polling place is open and operating, armed federal response is prohibited except to repel armed foreign enemies.
An October 2024 DOJ memo explicitly warned that federal agents could be prosecuted if they responded armed to an open polling place, even in the event of a false active shooter report.
5. Additional state laws
Several states have passed laws reinforcing these protections:
- Rhode Island (2026): Prohibits ICE employees, agents, or officers from entering or remaining within 200 feet of any polling place while voting is taking place, except to vote.
- New Mexico (2026): First state to specifically prohibit armed federal agents at polling places.
- California and Colorado: Have legal presumptions that carrying a weapon near election activities constitutes intimidation (applicable to federal agents, though not to state police).
- Many states have general laws against voter intimidation that apply to any person, including federal officials.
6. What can be done if an ICE agent appears at a polling place?
- Report it to local election officials and the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline.
- Request a court injunction. The Voting Rights Act and other laws allow voters, organizations, and states to ask a judge to order the cessation of intimidating conduct.
- Sue for damages under the Voting Rights Act or the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.
- State criminal prosecution: If a federal agent commits a federal crime (such as violating § 592), they cannot claim they were acting within their legal duties, so they could also be prosecuted under state laws.
7. Practical limitations
- There is no modern case law that has applied § 592 specifically to ICE agents. The law has rarely been litigated.
- Enforcement depends on the DOJ. If the federal government does not want to prosecute its own agents, the criminal law has little effect. This is why civil lawsuits and state laws are important.
- The mere presence of ICE near polling places, even if they do not enter, can have an intimidating effect that is also illegal under the Voting Rights Act.
Conclusion
| Situation | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Armed ICE agent enters the polling place to enforce immigration laws | Illegal (violates 18 U.S.C. § 592) |
| Armed ICE agent enters to serve an arrest warrant | Illegal (no exception for warrants) |
| Armed ICE agent enters to "maintain the peace" or respond to a general threat | Illegal (the exception was repealed in 1909) |
| ICE agent enters unarmed (out of uniform, without official functions) to vote | Legal |
| ICE agent responds armed after the polling place closes for an emergency | Legal (it is no longer a "place where an election is held") |
| ICE agent is near the polling place, off the property, without interacting with voters | Gray area – could constitute intimidation if it has a deterrent effect |
In summary: federal law strictly prohibits armed federal agents, including those from ICE, from being present at polling places while elections are underway, with the sole exception of repelling a foreign military attack. Any other armed presence for law enforcement functions (immigration, warrants, security) is illegal and can carry penalties of up to five years in prison and disqualification from federal office.
Original text
La respuesta corta es que, en general, no es legal que agentes del ICE (Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas) entren armados a centros de votación el día de las elecciones, salvo en circunstancias excepcionalísimas. Aquí te explico el marco legal detalladamente.
1. La ley federal principal: 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls")
Esta ley, vigente desde 1865, establece:
> "Quien, siendo oficial del Ejército o la Armada, u otra persona al servicio civil, militar o naval de los Estados Unidos, ordene, lleve, mantenga o tenga bajo su autoridad o control tropas o hombres armados en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección general o especial, a menos que dicha fuerza sea necesaria para repeler a enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos, será multado o encarcelado hasta cinco años, o ambos; y quedará inhabilitado para ocupar cualquier cargo de honor, beneficio o confianza bajo los Estados Unidos."
¿Aplica a ICE?
- Sí. Los agentes de ICE son empleados civiles federales del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) y portan armas de fuego como parte de su equipamiento estándar. La ley cubre expresamente a personas del "servicio civil" de EE.UU., no solo a militares.
- El propio Manual de Delitos Electorales del Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) confirma que § 592 prohíbe enviar "agentes federales armados" a las inmediaciones de centros de votación abiertos.
Única excepción
La única excepción en la ley es repeler a enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos (es decir, un ataque militar extranjero). No hay excepción para: - Hacer cumplir leyes migratorias. - Servir órdenes de arresto o citaciones. - "Mantener la paz" (esa excepción fue eliminada por el Congreso en 1909 precisamente para evitar abusos). - Responder a amenazas generales (como disturbios o delitos comunes).
2. Otras leyes federales aplicables
Además del § 592, existen otras prohibiciones:
| Ley | Lo que prohíbe |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Prohíbe a miembros de las fuerzas armadas interferir con funcionarios electorales. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Prohíbe a empleados federales usar su autoridad oficial para interferir en elecciones federales (parte de la Ley Hatch). |
| 52 U.S.C. § 20511 | Delito federal intimidar o intentar intimidar a un votante o a quienes ayudan a votar. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Conspiración para amenazar o intimidar a alguien en el ejercicio de sus derechos constitucionales (incluyendo el voto). |
| Ley de Derecho al Voto § 11(b) (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) | Prohíbe la intimidación de votantes, sin necesidad de probar intención; basta con demostrar el efecto intimidatorio. |
3. ¿Puede un agente del ICE entrar a votar?
Sí. La misma § 592 aclara que no impide que un miembro de las fuerzas armadas (y por extensión, cualquier agente federal) ejerza su derecho al voto si está calificado según las leyes estatales. Puede portar su arma de servicio mientras vota, pero no puede realizar funciones oficiales.
4. ¿Qué pasa si hay una emergencia (bomba, tirador activo)?
El DOJ ha interpretado que la ley no se aplica una vez que el centro de votación ha cesado sus operaciones. Por ejemplo, si hay una amenaza de bomba y se cierra el centro, los agentes federales armados pueden responder después del cierre. Sin embargo, mientras el centro esté abierto y operando, la respuesta armada federal está prohibida salvo para repeler enemigos armados extranjeros.
Un memo del DOJ de octubre de 2024 advertía explícitamente que agentes federales podrían ser procesados si respondían armados a un centro de votación abierto, incluso ante un reporte falso de tirador activo.
5. Leyes estatales adicionales
Varios estados han aprobado leyes que refuerzan estas protecciones:
- Rhode Island (2026): Prohíbe a empleados, agentes u oficiales de ICE entrar o permanecer a menos de 200 pies de cualquier centro de votación mientras se esté votando, salvo para votar.
- Nuevo México (2026): Primer estado en prohibir específicamente agentes armados federales en centros de votación.
- California y Colorado: Tienen presunciones legales de que portar un arma cerca de actividades electorales constituye intimidación (aplicable a agentes federales, aunque no a policías estatales).
- Muchos estados tienen leyes generales contra la intimidación de votantes que aplican a cualquier persona, incluidos funcionarios federales.
6. ¿Qué se puede hacer si un agente de ICE aparece en un centro de votación?
- Reportarlo a los funcionarios electorales locales y a la línea 866-OUR-VOTE.
- Solicitar una orden judicial (injunction). La Ley de Derecho al Voto y otras leyes permiten a votantes, organizaciones y estados pedir a un juez que ordene el cese de la conducta intimidatoria.
- Demandar por daños bajo la Ley de Derecho al Voto o la Ley del Ku Klux Klan de 1871.
- Procesamiento penal estatal: Si un agente federal comete un delito federal (como violar § 592), no puede alegar que actuaba dentro de sus funciones legales, por lo que podría ser procesado también por leyes estatales.
7. Limitaciones prácticas
- No hay jurisprudencia moderna que haya aplicado § 592 específicamente a agentes de ICE. La ley rara vez se ha litigado.
- La aplicación depende del DOJ. Si el gobierno federal no quiere procesar a sus propios agentes, la ley penal tiene poco efecto. Por eso son importantes las demandas civiles y las leyes estatales.
- La mera presencia de ICE cerca de los centros, incluso si no entra, puede tener un efecto intimidatorio que también es ilegal bajo la Ley de Derecho al Voto.
Conclusión
| Situación | ¿Legal? |
|---|---|
| Agente de ICE armado entra al centro de votación para hacer cumplir leyes migratorias | Ilegal (viola 18 U.S.C. § 592) |
| Agente de ICE armado entra para servir una orden de arresto | Ilegal (no hay excepción para warrants) |
| Agente de ICE armado entra para "mantener la paz" o responder a una amenaza general | Ilegal (la excepción fue eliminada en 1909) |
| Agente de ICE entra sin armas (sin uniforme, sin funciones oficiales) a votar | Legal |
| Agente de ICE responde armado después de que el centro cierra por emergencia | Legal (ya no es un "lugar donde se celebra una elección") |
| Agente de ICE está cerca del centro, fuera de la propiedad, sin interactuar con votantes | Zona gris – podría constituir intimidación si tiene efecto disuasivo |
En resumen: la ley federal prohíbe tajantemente que agentes federales armados, incluidos los del ICE, estén presentes en centros de votación mientras las elecciones estén en curso, con la única excepción de repeler un ataque militar extranjero. Cualquier otra presencia armada para funciones de aplicación de la ley (migratoria, warrants, seguridad) es ilegal y puede acarrear penas de hasta cinco años de prisión e inhabilitación para cargos federales.
Spanish — answer round 3
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
Short response: No, as a general rule, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) expressly prohibits any federal official—including ICE agents, as they are armed civilian employees of the U.S. government—from bringing or keeping "troops or armed men" at any place where a general or special election is being held. The only exception is to "repel armed enemies of the United States," a war scenario that does not cover ordinary law enforcement functions such as executing arrest warrants, conducting immigration checks, or "maintaining the peace." In addition, various federal and state laws against voter intimidation also prohibit their presence if it has an intimidating effect.
Detailed Legal Framework
1. The Main Prohibition: 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls")
The current text establishes:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and shall be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Why does it cover ICE agents? - The law applies to any person in the U.S. "civil service," not just military personnel. ICE agents are federal civil employees of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). - The law prohibits "armed men." ICE agents carry firearms as part of their standard equipment. - The Department of Justice, in its own manual Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses (7th ed., 2007), confirms that § 592 applies to armed federal agents and that it constitutes a felony to send "armed men" to the vicinity of open polling places.
The Only Exception: Repelling Armed Enemies - The exception is extremely narrow: it only applies if a hostile foreign power is attacking the polling place with weapons. - Originally, the law included an exception to "keep the peace at the polls," but Congress expressly removed it in 1909 precisely to prevent the federal government from using any unrest as a pretext to deploy forces.
2. Other Applicable Federal Laws
| Law | Prohibition |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Prohibits members of the Armed Forces from interfering in elections, including preventing voting, prescribing voter qualifications, or interfering with election officials. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Prohibits intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person for the purpose of interfering with their right to vote. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Prohibits administrative government employees from using their official authority to interfere in a federal election. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Voting Rights Act) | Prohibits the intimidation of voters or those assisting or encouraging them to vote. It does not require specific intent; it is sufficient that the conduct has an intimidating effect on a reasonable voter. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Prohibits conspiring to threaten or intimidate someone in the exercise of their constitutional rights (including voting). |
3. State Laws
In addition to federal laws, every state has its own rules regarding who is allowed inside a polling place. For example:
- Texas (Election Code § 61.001): exhaustively lists the 15 categories of persons permitted in a polling place (election judges, watchers, voters, etc.). Federal agents are not included.
- Florida (Statute § 102.031): permits entry only to official watchers, inspectors, election personnel, voters, and, with permission, state or local law enforcement officers. It does not include federal agents.
- Colorado (Regulation 8 CCR 1505-1:20.4): restricts access to secure voting areas and equipment; unauthorized entry by federal agents could even result in the decertification of voting equipment.
Many states also criminalize voter intimidation, and those laws apply to any person, including federal officials.
4. Can an ICE Agent Enter to Vote?
Yes, if they are qualified to vote in that district. The same § 592 clarifies that it does not prevent members of the armed forces (and, by extension, civil employees) from exercising their right to vote. However, they must do so like any voter: without a uniform or visible weapons that could intimidate, and without performing official duties.
5. Can They Enter in an Emergency or to Execute a Judicial Warrant?
No, according to the majority interpretation of the law. Congress deliberately removed the "keep the peace" exception. The only current exception is repelling armed enemies. Executing an administrative immigration arrest warrant or responding to an emergency unrelated to a foreign enemy attack is not permitted.
- In 2026, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin announced a policy authorizing ICE agents to enter polling places to "serve warrants" or respond to "threats." Organizations such as the Brennan Center and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) labeled that policy illegal, and lawsuits seeking injunctions were filed.
- The Syracuse incident (June 2026), where two ICE agents entered a polling place to deliver a warning letter to an election worker, was widely criticized as a violation of § 592 and state laws.
6. What to Do If ICE Agents Show Up at a Polling Place?
- Report it to local election officials.
- Call the election protection hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA in Spanish).
- Document the presence (photos, videos, names, badge numbers).
- Seek legal assistance: The Voting Rights Act allows any intimidated voter or election worker to seek a court order (injunction) to stop the intimidating conduct.
Conclusion
The law is clear: armed ICE agents have no legal authority to be inside polling places on Election Day. Doing so would constitute a serious federal crime (felony) under 18 U.S.C. § 592, in addition to potentially violating state laws and prohibitions against voter intimidation. The single exception—repelling foreign armed enemies—is so exceptional that it has no practical application in ordinary elections. Any attempt to deploy armed federal agents to polling places for immigration control or warrant execution purposes would be illegal and subject to immediate legal challenge.
Original text
Respuesta breve: No, por regla general los agentes del ICE no pueden entrar legalmente en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones. La ley federal (18 U.S.C. § 592) prohíbe expresamente que cualquier oficial federal —incluidos los agentes del ICE por ser empleados civiles armados del gobierno de EE.UU.— lleve o mantenga "tropas u hombres armados" en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección general o especial. La única excepción es para "repeler enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos", un escenario de guerra que no cubre funciones policiales ordinarias como ejecutar órdenes de arresto, realizar controles migratorios o "mantener la paz". Además, varias leyes federales y estatales contra la intimidación de votantes también prohíben su presencia si esta tiene un efecto intimidatorio.
Marco legal detallado
1. La prohibición principal: 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls")
El texto vigente establece:
> "Quien, siendo oficial del Ejército o la Armada, u otra persona del servicio civil, militar o naval de los Estados Unidos, ordene, traiga, mantenga o tenga bajo su autoridad o control tropas u hombres armados en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección general o especial, a menos que dicha fuerza sea necesaria para repeler enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos, será multado o encarcelado hasta cinco años, o ambos; y quedará inhabilitado para ocupar cualquier cargo de honor, beneficio o confianza bajo los Estados Unidos."
¿Por qué cubre a los agentes del ICE? - La ley se aplica a cualquier persona en el "servicio civil" de EE.UU., no solo a militares. Los agentes del ICE son empleados civiles federales del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS). - La ley prohíbe "hombres armados" (armed men). Los agentes del ICE portan armas de fuego como parte de su equipamiento estándar. - El Departamento de Justicia, en su propio manual Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses (7.ª ed., 2007), confirma que § 592 se aplica a agentes federales armados y que constituye un delito grave enviar "hombres armados" a las proximidades de centros de votación abiertos.
La única excepción: repeler enemigos armados - La excepción es extremadamente estrecha: solo aplica si una potencia extranjera hostil está atacando el centro de votación con armas. - Originalmente la ley incluía una excepción para "mantener la paz en las urnas", pero el Congreso la eliminó expresamente en 1909 precisamente para evitar que el gobierno federal usara cualquier disturbio como pretexto para desplegar fuerzas.
2. Otras leyes federales aplicables
| Ley | Prohibición |
|---|---|
| 18 U.S.C. § 593 | Prohíbe a miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas interferir en elecciones, incluyendo impedir el voto, fijar calificaciones de votantes o interferir con funcionarios electorales. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 594 | Prohíbe intimidar, amenazar o coaccionar a cualquier persona con el propósito de interferir en su derecho al voto. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 595 | Prohíbe a empleados administrativos del gobierno usar su autoridad oficial para interferir en una elección federal. |
| 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Voting Rights Act) | Prohíbe la intimidación de votantes o de quienes los asisten o animan a votar. No requiere intención específica; basta con que la conducta tenga un efecto intimidatorio sobre un votante razonable. |
| 18 U.S.C. § 241 | Prohíbe conspirar para amenazar o intimidar a alguien en el ejercicio de sus derechos constitucionales (incluido el voto). |
3. Leyes estatales
Además de las leyes federales, cada estado tiene sus propias normas sobre quién puede estar dentro de un centro de votación. Por ejemplo:
- Texas (Código Electoral § 61.001): lista taxativamente las 15 categorías de personas permitidas en un centro de votación (jueces electorales, vigilantes, votantes, etc.). Los agentes federales no están incluidos.
- Florida (Estatuto § 102.031): permite la entrada solo a vigilantes oficiales, inspectores, personal electoral, votantes y, con permiso, a agentes de la ley estatales o locales. No incluye a agentes federales.
- Colorado (Reglamento 8 CCR 1505-1:20.4): restringe el acceso a áreas seguras de votación y equipos; la entrada no autorizada de agentes federales podría incluso provocar la descertificación del equipo electoral.
Muchos estados también tipifican como delito la intimidación de votantes, y esas leyes se aplican a cualquier persona, incluidos funcionarios federales.
4. ¿Puede un agente del ICE entrar a votar?
Sí, si está calificado para votar en ese distrito. El mismo § 592 aclara que no impide que los miembros de las fuerzas armadas (y, por extensión, los empleados civiles) ejerzan su derecho al sufragio. Sin embargo, debe hacerlo como cualquier votante: sin uniforme ni armas visibles que puedan intimidar, y sin realizar funciones oficiales.
5. ¿Pueden entrar en caso de emergencia o para ejecutar una orden judicial?
No, según la interpretación mayoritaria de la ley. El Congreso eliminó deliberadamente la excepción de "mantener la paz". La única excepción vigente es repeler enemigos armados. Ejecutar una orden de arresto administrativo migratorio o responder a una emergencia no relacionada con un ataque enemigo extranjero no está permitido.
- En 2026, el secretario de Seguridad Nacional, Markwayne Mullin, anunció una política que autorizaba a agentes del ICE a entrar en centros de votación para "servir órdenes judiciales" o responder a "amenazas". Organizaciones como el Brennan Center y la Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles (ACLU) calificaron esa política como ilegal, y se presentaron demandas solicitando medidas cautelares.
- El incidente de Syracuse (junio de 2026), donde dos agentes del ICE entraron en un centro de votación para entregar una carta de advertencia a una trabajadora electoral, fue ampliamente criticado como una violación de § 592 y de las leyes estatales.
6. ¿Qué hacer si agentes del ICE se presentan en un centro de votación?
- Reportarlo a los funcionarios electorales locales.
- Llamar a la línea de protección electoral: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (o 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA en español).
- Documentar la presencia (fotos, videos, nombres, placas).
- Buscar asistencia legal: la Ley de Derecho al Voto permite a cualquier votante o trabajador electoral intimidado solicitar una orden judicial (injunción) para detener la conducta intimidatoria.
Conclusión
La ley es clara: los agentes armados del ICE no tienen autoridad legal para estar en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones. Hacerlo constituiría un delito federal grave (felony) bajo 18 U.S.C. § 592, además de posiblemente violar leyes estatales y las prohibiciones de intimidación de votantes. La única excepción —repeler enemigos armados extranjeros— es tan excepcional que no tiene aplicación práctica en elecciones ordinarias. Cualquier intento de desplegar agentes federales armados en centros de votación para fines de control migratorio o ejecución de órdenes judiciales sería ilegal y estaría sujeto a impugnación judicial inmediata.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
Short answer:
As a general rule — no. The presence of armed ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) personnel at polling places on Election Day is expressly prohibited by federal law, with a single exception: repelling an armed attack by a foreign enemy. Even if an agent has an arrest warrant or cites a "threat," this does not create a lawful basis for entering a polling place.
1. The Main Prohibition: 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls")
This law, enacted back in 1865 and in effect today, states:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and shall be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Why this applies to ICE:
- The law covers not only the military, but also persons in the civil service of the United States. ICE employees are federal civil servants.
- ICE agents are almost always armed (carrying service weapons), and the law explicitly prohibits "armed men."
- The U.S. Department of Justice explicitly states in its Election Crimes Manual that § 592 "makes it a felony to send armed federal agents into the vicinity of open polling places."
The sole exception:
"…unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States." This refers to an actual military attack by a foreign nation. In 1909, Congress removed the previous exception for "keeping the peace at the polls" from the statute, precisely to prevent abuses.
2. Other Federal Prohibitions
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 — prohibits members of the armed forces and federal officials from interfering with election boards or obstructing voting.
- 18 U.S.C. § 595 (part of the Hatch Act) — prohibits federal employees from using their official authority to influence a federal election.
- 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Voting Rights Act) — prohibits intimidating, threatening, or coercing any person in connection with voting. This prohibition applies to everyone, including federal agents.
- 18 U.S.C. § 241 — prohibits conspiracy to intimidate voters.
The presence of ICE at a polling place in itself can be construed as intimidation, even if the agents do not detain anyone.
3. Can ICE agents enter a polling place if they have a warrant?
No. Section 592 contains no exception for executing warrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attempted in 2026 to argue that it could direct ICE to polling places to "serve warrants" or respond to "threats," but these actions were immediately challenged in court. Lawsuits filed by states and civil rights organizations argue that this policy directly violates § 592 and the Voting Rights Act.
4. The Only Lawful Basis for an ICE Agent to Enter a Polling Place
An ICE agent may enter a polling place only as a private citizen exercising their right to vote, provided they are a U.S. citizen and meet state voting requirements. In doing so, they must not be on duty, must not carry a service weapon (though this may be regulated by state laws), and must not present themselves as an ICE officer.
5. Additional State-Level Restrictions
Many states have passed their own laws that: - explicitly prohibit the presence of armed federal personnel at polling places; - criminalize voter intimidation; - prohibit carrying weapons near polling places (often with no exceptions for federal agents).
Thus, even if federal law were somehow not to apply, an ICE agent could still violate state criminal law.
6. What to do if ICE appears at a polling place?
If a voter, poll worker, or observer sees an armed ICE employee at a polling place, it is recommended to: 1. Immediately notify a local election official. 2. Call the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline. 3. Document the incident (photos, videos, names of witnesses). 4. Apply to court for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) — federal courts are required to review such cases on an expedited basis.
Conclusion
ICE agents have no lawful right to enter polling places on Election Day in their capacity as law enforcement officers. Any such intrusion constitutes a federal felony and a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The only exception is the hypothetical situation of a direct armed attack by a foreign enemy on a polling place. Even the existence of a warrant or a declared "threat" does not provide a lawful basis for ICE's presence at a polling place.
This response is based on the text of 18 U.S.C. § 592, the Department of Justice's Election Crimes Manual, analytical materials from the Brennan Center for Justice and the ACLU, as well as lawsuits filed in 2026 against DHS policies.
Original text
Краткий ответ:
По общему правилу — нет. Присутствие вооружённых сотрудников ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) на избирательных участках в день выборов прямо запрещено федеральным законом, за исключением единственного случая — отражения вооружённого нападения иностранного врага. Даже если у агента есть ордер на арест или он ссылается на «угрозу», это не создаёт законного основания для входа на участок.
1. Основной запрет: 18 U.S.C. § 592 («Troops at polls»)
Этот закон, принятый ещё в 1865 году и действующий сегодня, гласит:
> «Любое лицо, состоящее на гражданской, военной или морской службе Соединённых Штатов, которое приказывает, приводит, держит или имеет под своим руководством или контролем любые войска или вооружённых людей в любом месте, где проводятся всеобщие или дополнительные выборы, — если только такие силы не необходимы для отражения вооружённых врагов Соединённых Штатов, — подлежит штрафу, тюремному заключению до пяти лет, или обоим наказаниям, а также лишается права занимать какую-либо должность чести, прибыли или доверия в Соединённых Штатах».
Почему это относится к ICE:
- Закон охватывает не только военных, но и лиц на гражданской службе США. Сотрудники ICE являются федеральными гражданскими служащими.
- ICE-агенты почти всегда вооружены (носят табельное оружие), а закон запрещает именно «вооружённых людей».
- Министерство юстиции США в своём руководстве по избирательным преступлениям прямо указывает, что § 592 «делает фелонией отправку вооружённых федеральных агентов в район открытых избирательных участков».
Единственное исключение:
«…если такие силы необходимы для отражения вооружённых врагов Соединённых Штатов». Это означает реальное военное нападение со стороны иностранного государства. В 1909 году Конгресс удалил из закона прежнее исключение для «поддержания мира на участках», именно чтобы предотвратить злоупотребления.
2. Другие федеральные запреты
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 — запрещает военнослужащим и федеральным чиновникам вмешиваться в работу избирательных комиссий или препятствовать голосованию.
- 18 U.S.C. § 595 (часть Закона Хэтча) — запрещает федеральным служащим использовать своё должностное положение для влияния на федеральные выборы.
- 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b) (Закон об избирательных правах) — запрещает запугивание, угрозы или принуждение любого лица в связи с голосованием. Этот запрет распространяется на всех, включая федеральных агентов.
- 18 U.S.C. § 241 — запрещает сговор с целью запугивания избирателей.
Присутствие ICE на участке само по себе может быть расценено как запугивание, даже если агенты никого не задерживают.
3. Могут ли агенты ICE войти на участок, если у них есть ордер?
Нет. Закон § 592 не содержит исключения для исполнения ордеров. Министерство внутренней безопасности (DHS) в 2026 году пыталось утверждать, что может направлять ICE на участки для «обслуживания ордеров» или реагирования на «угрозы», однако эти действия были немедленно оспорены в судах. Иски, поданные штатами и правозащитными организациями, утверждают, что такая политика прямо нарушает § 592 и Закон об избирательных правах.
4. Единственное законное основание для входа агента ICE на участок
Агент ICE может войти на избирательный участок только как частное лицо, реализующее своё право голоса, если он является гражданином США и соответствует требованиям штата для голосования. При этом он не должен находиться при исполнении служебных обязанностей, не должен носить служебное оружие (хотя это может регулироваться законами штата) и не должен представляться как сотрудник ICE.
5. Дополнительные ограничения на уровне штатов
Многие штаты приняли собственные законы, которые: - прямо запрещают присутствие вооружённых федеральных сотрудников на участках; - криминализируют запугивание избирателей; - запрещают ношение оружия вблизи избирательных участков (часто без исключений для федеральных агентов).
Таким образом, даже если бы федеральный закон по какой-то причине не применялся, агент ICE мог бы нарушить уголовное законодательство конкретного штата.
6. Что делать, если ICE появился на участке?
Если избиратель, член комиссии или наблюдатель видит вооружённого сотрудника ICE на участке, рекомендуется: 1. Немедленно сообщить местному избирательному чиновнику. 2. Позвонить на горячую линию 866-OUR-VOTE. 3. Зафиксировать инцидент (фото, видео, имена свидетелей). 4. Обратиться в суд за временным запретительным ордером (TRO) — федеральные суды обязаны рассматривать такие дела в ускоренном порядке.
Вывод
Агенты ICE не имеют законного права входить на избирательные участки в день выборов в качестве представителей правоохранительных органов. Любое такое вторжение является федеральным преступлением (фелонией) и нарушением Закона об избирательных правах. Исключение составляет только гипотетическая ситуация прямого вооружённого нападения иностранного врага на участок. Даже наличие ордера или заявленная «угроза» не дают законного основания для присутствия ICE на участке.
Данный ответ основан на тексте 18 U.S.C. § 592, руководстве Министерства юстиции по избирательным преступлениям, аналитических материалах Brennan Center for Justice и ACLU, а также на судебных исках, поданных в 2026 году против политики DHS.
Russian — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
English translation
Short answer:
As a general rule — no. U.S. federal law explicitly prohibits stationing armed federal agents (including ICE personnel) at polling places on Election Day. An exception is provided only for repelling an armed attack by a foreign enemy, which does not apply to immigration enforcement.
1. The Main Federal Prohibition – 18 U.S.C. § 592
The statute states:
> "Whoever, being an officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
Why this applies to ICE:
- The law extends not only to the military, but also to "persons in the civil service of the United States." ICE employees are federal civil servants.
- ICE agents are almost always armed, meaning they fall under the definition of "armed men."
- The Department of Justice, in its guidance on Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses, explicitly confirms that § 592 applies to any armed federal agents near open polling places.
The Exception – "Armed Enemies" Only:
In 1909, Congress removed the "maintaining peace at the polls" clause from the statute, fearing that authorities would use any pretext to deploy forces. Today, the only legal basis is an actual attack by an armed foreign adversary. Immigration enforcement, executing warrants, or a "general threat" do not fall under this exception.
2. Other Federal Prohibitions
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 – prohibits military personnel and federal officials from interfering with voting "by force, threat, intimidation, advice or otherwise."
- 18 U.S.C. § 595 – prohibits federal civil servants from using their official authority to influence a federal election (part of the Hatch Act).
- 52 U.S.C. § 20511 – makes it a federal crime to intimidate a voter or a person assisting with voting.
- Voting Rights Act (1965) – allows any voter, poll worker, or organizer to file a lawsuit to enjoin intimidation, where it is sufficient to prove the fact of intimidation itself rather than intent.
3. Administration Position (2025–2026) and Litigation
In 2025–2026, representatives of the Trump administration repeatedly stated that ICE could appear at polling places if: - there is a "specific threat" (e.g., a bomb); - it is necessary to serve an arrest warrant on an individual who is "actively sought."
However, election law experts (Brennan Center, State Democracy Research Initiative) and a number of filed lawsuits argue that such actions violate § 592, because: - the statute contains no exceptions for "threats" or "warrants"; - the presence of armed agents inherently creates intimidation, regardless of purpose.
In 2026, several states (New Mexico, Rhode Island, California, Colorado, etc.) passed laws explicitly prohibiting armed federal agents from approaching polling places (for example, within 200 feet in Rhode Island). Lawsuits were also filed by cities (Denver) and civil rights organizations demanding an injunction against the policy allowing ICE.
4. State Laws
Almost all states criminalize voter intimidation. Many also prohibit the carrying of weapons near polling places. Although federal agents may attempt to claim immunity in the performance of their duties, committing a federal crime (which violating § 592 is) cannot be considered a lawful performance of duties, and therefore they can be held accountable under state law as well.
5. Conclusion
On lawful grounds, ICE agents cannot enter polling places on Election Day for immigration enforcement, executing warrants, or "ensuring security." The sole legal exception is repelling an armed attack by a foreign enemy, which does not apply to immigration activities.
Nevertheless, in practice this issue remains the subject of political and judicial disputes. If you encounter the presence of ICE at a polling place, you can: - notify a local election official; - contact the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division; - file a lawsuit to enjoin intimidation pursuant to the Voting Rights Act.
This response is based on the text of 18 U.S.C. § 592, DOJ guidance, analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice, and materials from 2025–2026 legal proceedings.
Original text
Краткий ответ:
По общему правилу — нет. Федеральное законодательство США прямо запрещает размещение вооружённых федеральных агентов (включая сотрудников ICE) на избирательных участках в день выборов. Исключение предусмотрено только для отражения вооружённого нападения со стороны иностранного врага, что к иммиграционному правоприменению не относится.
1. Основной федеральный запрет – 18 U.S.C. § 592
Закон гласит:
> «Любое лицо, являющееся офицером армии, флота или иным лицом на гражданской, военной или морской службе Соединённых Штатов, которое приказывает, приводит, удерживает или имеет под своим началом или контролем любые войска или вооружённых людей в любом месте, где проводятся всеобщие или дополнительные выборы, если только такие силы не необходимы для отражения вооружённых врагов Соединённых Штатов, подлежит штрафу или тюремному заключению на срок до пяти лет, или обоим наказаниям, а также лишается права занимать любую почётную, прибыльную или доверительную должность в Соединённых Штатах».
Почему это касается ICE:
- Закон распространяется не только на военных, но и на «лиц на гражданской службе США». Сотрудники ICE являются федеральными гражданскими служащими.
- ICE-агенты почти всегда вооружены, а значит подпадают под определение «вооружённые люди».
- Министерство юстиции в своём руководстве по преследованию за избирательные преступления (Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses) прямо подтверждает, что § 592 применяется к любым вооружённым федеральным агентам у открытых избирательных участков.
Исключение – только «вооружённые враги»:
В 1909 году Конгресс убрал из закона оговорку о «поддержании мира на участках», опасаясь, что власти будут использовать любой предлог для ввода сил. Сегодня единственное легальное основание – реальная атака со стороны иностранного вооружённого противника. Иммиграционное правоприменение, выполнение ордеров или «общая угроза» под это исключение не подпадают.
2. Другие федеральные запреты
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 – запрещает военнослужащим и федеральным чиновникам препятствовать голосованию «силой, угрозой, запугиванием, советом или иным образом».
- 18 U.S.C. § 595 – запрещает федеральным гражданским служащим использовать своё служебное положение для влияния на федеральные выборы (часть Закона Хэтча).
- 52 U.S.C. § 20511 – делает федеральным преступлением запугивание избирателя или лица, помогающего голосовать.
- Voting Rights Act (1965) – позволяет любому избирателю, работнику участка или организатору подать иск о запрете запугивания, причём достаточно доказать сам факт запугивания, а не намерение.
3. Позиция администрации (2025–2026) и судебные споры
В 2025–2026 годах представители администрации Трампа неоднократно заявляли, что ICE может появиться на участках, если: - есть «конкретная угроза» (например, бомба); - необходимо вручить ордер на арест лица, которое «активно разыскивается».
Однако эксперты по избирательному праву (Brennan Center, State Democracy Research Initiative) и ряд поданных исков утверждают, что такие действия нарушают § 592, поскольку: - закон не содержит исключений для «угроз» или «ордеров»; - присутствие вооружённых агентов само по себе создаёт запугивание, независимо от цели.
В 2026 году несколько штатов (Нью-Мексико, Род-Айленд, Калифорния, Колорадо и др.) приняли законы, прямо запрещающие вооружённым федеральным агентам приближаться к участкам (например, в Род-Айленде – ближе 200 футов). Также были поданы иски от городов (Денвер) и правозащитных организаций с требованием заблокировать политику допуска ICE.
4. Законы штатов
Почти все штаты криминализируют запугивание избирателей. Многие также запрещают ношение оружия вблизи участков. Хотя федеральные агенты могут пытаться ссылаться на иммунитет при исполнении обязанностей, совершение федерального преступления (каким является нарушение § 592) не может считаться законным исполнением обязанностей, поэтому они могут быть привлечены к ответственности и по законам штата.
5. Вывод
На законных основаниях агенты ICE не могут входить на избирательные участки в день выборов для иммиграционного правоприменения, выполнения ордеров или «обеспечения безопасности». Единственное легальное исключение – отражение вооружённого нападения иностранного врага, что к иммиграционной деятельности не относится.
Тем не менее, на практике этот вопрос остаётся предметом политических и судебных споров. Если вы столкнётесь с присутствием ICE на участке, вы можете: - сообщить местному избирательному чиновнику; - обратиться в Отдел гражданских прав Министерства юстиции; - подать иск о запрете запугивания в соответствии с Voting Rights Act.
Данный ответ основан на тексте 18 U.S.C. § 592, руководстве DOJ, аналитике Brennan Center for Justice и материалах судебных разбирательств 2025–2026 годов.
Russian — answer round 3
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Can States Stop the Administration’s Deployment of Troops or ICE to the Polls? | State Democracy Research Initiative – University of Wisconsin Law School - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Homeland Security official rejects suggestion ICE agents will be at polling stations | Reuters - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - 24.2-604. Polling places; prohibited activities - Blue states push to ban ICE at the polls amid federal voter ... - Summary Electioneering Prohibitions Near Polling Places
English translation
This is a complex legal question that lies at the intersection of federal election law, the powers of immigration enforcement, and state legislation. In short: in the vast majority of cases, ICE agents do not have the legal right to enter polling places on Election Day to perform their official duties, and such actions are explicitly prohibited by federal law. However, there are narrow exceptions.
Here is a detailed breakdown.
1. Federal law explicitly prohibits the presence of armed federal agents at polling places
The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592 (enacted back in 1865 and still in effect). It states:
> "Any officer of the Army or Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, who orders, brings, keeps, or has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held, unless such force be necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; and be disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under the United States."
What this means for ICE: - ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and its employees are "persons in the civil service of the United States." - If an agent is armed (and standard ICE equipment includes a firearm), they fall under the definition of an "armed man." - A polling place is a "place where an election is held." - The only exception is "to repel armed enemies of the United States" (meaning a direct military threat, not immigration enforcement).
Thus, the presence of an armed ICE agent at a polling place for immigration enforcement purposes is a federal crime.
2. Additional federal prohibitions
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 — prohibits military and federal personnel from interfering with election boards or obstructing voting.
- 18 U.S.C. § 594 — prohibits voter intimidation.
- 52 U.S.C. § 20511 (part of the Voting Rights Act) — prohibits intimidating or attempting to intimidate any person for voting in a federal election.
- Hatch Act (18 U.S.C. § 595) — prohibits federal employees from using their official authority to influence an election.
All of these laws apply to ICE agents.
3. State laws
U.S. elections are regulated primarily by the states. Many states have their own laws that: - Prohibit the presence of armed individuals (including federal agents) near polling places (for example, within a 40–200 foot radius). - Prohibit voter intimidation. - Limit the powers of federal law enforcement agencies within their territory.
Some states (California, New Mexico, Washington, and others) in 2025–2026 passed or are considering laws that explicitly prohibit immigration agents from approaching polling places. These laws may be challenged in court on the basis of federal supremacy, but for now, they remain in effect.
4. Exceptions (when an ICE agent may legally enter a polling place)
- Voting. If an ICE agent is a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote, they may enter a polling place to cast their ballot just like any other voter. In doing so, they must not be on duty and must not carry a weapon (though state laws vary).
- Emergency situation. If there is an active public safety threat occurring at a polling place (such as an armed attack), ICE agents may respond like any law enforcement officers. However, even in such cases, their actions must be strictly limited to neutralizing the threat, not conducting immigration checks.
- Warrant or court order. Theoretically, if ICE has a criminal warrant for the arrest of a specific individual located at a polling place, they might attempt to execute it. But in practice, this would almost certainly be treated as voter intimidation and a violation of § 592, unless it could be proven that there was no other way to apprehend a dangerous criminal.
5. DHS position and current practice
In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that it does not plan to deploy ICE agents to polling places in 2026. However, officials did not rule out that agents could appear there in the event of an "active public safety threat" or to carry out a "targeted arrest."
Nevertheless, civil rights organizations (the Brennan Center, ACLU) and many legal scholars agree that any appearance of armed immigration agents at a polling place to perform their core duties (checking documents, detaining undocumented migrants) would be illegal.
Summary
| Situation | Legality |
|---|---|
| ICE agent in uniform and armed enters a polling place for an immigration check | Illegal (violation of 18 U.S.C. § 592 and other laws) |
| ICE agent votes at a polling place in civilian clothes, without a weapon | Legal (as an ordinary voter) |
| ICE agent pursues an armed criminal who ran into a polling place | Potentially legal (as emergency response), but contested |
| ICE agent attempts to arrest a person under an immigration warrant inside a polling place | Most likely illegal (voter intimidation, violation of § 592) |
Conclusion: Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 592) was specifically enacted to prevent armed federal forces from appearing at elections. ICE does not have the right to use polling places as a site for immigration enforcement. If such incidents occur, it will be a direct violation of the law, and voters, poll watchers, and state authorities have legal mechanisms to immediately challenge such actions in court.
Original text
Это сложный юридический вопрос, который лежит на стыке федерального избирательного права, полномочий иммиграционной полиции и законодательства штатов. Если коротко: в подавляющем большинстве случаев агенты ICE не имеют законного права входить на избирательные участки в день выборов для выполнения своих служебных обязанностей, и такие действия прямо запрещены федеральным законом. Однако есть узкие исключения.
Вот подробный разбор.
1. Федеральный закон прямо запрещает присутствие вооружённых федеральных агентов на участках
Основной закон — 18 U.S.C. § 592 (принят ещё в 1865 году и действует до сих пор). Он гласит:
> «Любое лицо, являющееся офицером армии или флота, или иное лицо на гражданской, военной или морской службе Соединённых Штатов, которое приказывает, приводит, держит или имеет под своим руководством или контролем любые войска или вооружённых людей в любом месте, где проводятся всеобщие или специальные выборы, — если только такие силы не необходимы для отражения вооружённых врагов Соединённых Штатов, — подлежит штрафу или тюремному заключению до 5 лет, или обоим наказаниям, а также лишается права занимать любую почётную, прибыльную или доверительную должность в США».
Что это значит для ICE: - ICE — часть Министерства внутренней безопасности (DHS), его сотрудники являются «лицами на гражданской службе США». - Если агент вооружён (а стандартное снаряжение ICE включает оружие), он подпадает под определение «вооружённый человек». - Избирательный участок — это «место, где проводятся выборы». - Единственное исключение — «отражение вооружённых врагов США» (то есть прямая военная угроза, а не иммиграционное правоприменение).
Таким образом, присутствие вооружённого агента ICE на участке для иммиграционных целей является федеральным преступлением.
2. Дополнительные федеральные запреты
- 18 U.S.C. § 593 — запрещает военнослужащим и федеральным служащим вмешиваться в работу избирательных комиссий или препятствовать голосованию.
- 18 U.S.C. § 594 — запрещает запугивание избирателей.
- 52 U.S.C. § 20511 (часть Закона о правах голоса) — запрещает запугивание или попытки запугивания любого лица при голосовании на федеральных выборах.
- Hatch Act (18 U.S.C. § 595) — запрещает федеральным служащим использовать своё служебное положение для влияния на выборы.
Все эти законы распространяются на агентов ICE.
3. Законы штатов
Выборы в США регулируются в первую очередь штатами. Многие штаты имеют собственные законы, которые: - Запрещают присутствие вооружённых лиц (включая федеральных агентов) вблизи участков (например, в радиусе 40–200 футов). - Запрещают запугивание избирателей. - Ограничивают полномочия федеральных правоохранительных органов на своей территории.
Некоторые штаты (Калифорния, Нью-Мексико, Вашингтон и др.) в 2025–2026 годах приняли или рассматривают законы, прямо запрещающие иммиграционным агентам приближаться к избирательным участкам. Эти законы могут быть оспорены в суде на основании верховенства федерального права, но пока они действуют.
4. Исключения (когда агент ICE может законно войти на участок)
- Голосование. Если агент ICE является гражданином США и имеет право голоса, он может зайти на участок, чтобы проголосовать, как и любой другой избиратель. При этом он не должен быть при исполнении служебных обязанностей и не должен носить оружие (хотя законы штатов различаются).
- Чрезвычайная ситуация. Если на участке происходит активная угроза общественной безопасности (например, вооружённое нападение), агенты ICE могут реагировать как любые правоохранители. Однако даже в этом случае их действия должны быть строго ограничены нейтрализацией угрозы, а не иммиграционными проверками.
- Ордер или судебное предписание. Теоретически, если у ICE есть уголовный ордер на арест конкретного лица, находящегося на участке, они могут попытаться его исполнить. Но на практике это почти наверняка будет расценено как запугивание избирателей и нарушение § 592, если только не будет доказано, что иного способа задержать опасного преступника не было.
5. Позиция DHS и текущая практика
В феврале 2026 года Министерство внутренней безопасности США заявило, что не планирует размещать агентов ICE на избирательных участках в 2026 году. Однако официальные лица не исключили, что агенты могут появиться там в случае «активной угрозы общественной безопасности» или для выполнения «целенаправленного ареста».
Тем не менее, правозащитные организации (Brennan Center, ACLU) и многие юристы сходятся во мнении, что любое появление вооружённых иммиграционных агентов на участке для выполнения их прямых обязанностей (проверка документов, задержание нелегальных мигрантов) будет незаконным.
Итог
| Ситуация | Законность |
|---|---|
| Агент ICE в форме и при оружии заходит на участок для иммиграционной проверки | Незаконно (нарушение 18 U.S.C. § 592 и других законов) |
| Агент ICE голосует на участке в гражданской одежде, без оружия | Законно (как обычный избиратель) |
| Агент ICE преследует вооружённого преступника, который вбежал на участок | Возможно законно (как экстренное реагирование), но спорно |
| Агент ICE пытается арестовать человека по иммиграционному ордеру внутри участка | Скорее всего незаконно (запугивание избирателей, нарушение § 592) |
Вывод: Федеральный закон (18 U.S.C. § 592) был специально принят, чтобы не допустить появления вооружённых федеральных сил на выборах. ICE не имеет права использовать избирательные участки как место для иммиграционного правоприменения. Если такие случаи произойдут, это будет прямым нарушением закона, и у избирателей, наблюдателей и властей штатов есть правовые механизмы для немедленного оспаривания таких действий в суде.
Gemini 3.8 Flash
Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
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Pages the model opened: - facebook.com - democracydocket.com - democracyproject.org - facebook.com - washingtonpost.com - wispolitics.com - facebook.com - cbsnews.com
English translation
As a general rule, no, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot legally enter polling places to conduct immigration enforcement, patrol, or monitor voters on Election Day.
The presence of armed federal law enforcement at voting locations is tightly restricted by federal criminal law, civil rights statutes, Department of Justice (DOJ) guidelines, and state election laws.
1. Federal Criminal Law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 Under 18 U.S.C. § 592 (a Civil War–era federal statute), it is a felony for any civil or military officer of the United States to bring or keep “troops or armed men” at any place where a general or special election is being held. * Penalties: Violating this statute carries up to five years in federal prison and disqualification from holding federal office. * Exceptions: The statute contains only one narrow exception: to “repel armed enemies of the United States.” (In 1909, Congress explicitly removed an earlier exception that had allowed armed personnel to “keep the peace at the polls”).
2. Voter Intimidation Protections Several federal statutes strictly prohibit actions that could intimidate or deter eligible individuals from voting: * 18 U.S.C. § 594 makes it a federal crime to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for the purpose of interfering with the right to vote. * The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) makes it illegal to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for voting or attempting to vote. * Courts have long recognized that the presence of armed, uniformed federal officers at polling locations—particularly targeting immigrant or minority communities—can constitute unlawful voter intimidation.
3. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Policy Longstanding Department of Justice policy on election-day procedures restricts federal law enforcement personnel from being stationed inside or immediately around open polling places. * Historically, DOJ guidance has held that federal prosecutors have no authority to dispatch armed federal agents (such as FBI agents or U.S. Marshals) to polling places during voting hours. * Similarly, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sensitive location policies have traditionally designated polling sites and vote-counting locations as protected areas where routine enforcement actions should be avoided to prevent chilling civic participation.
4. State Polling Place Access Laws Under the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause, individual states regulate the administration and conduct of elections. * Most state laws explicitly restrict who is legally permitted inside a polling location. Typically, only voters casting ballots, minor children accompanying them, credentialed poll workers, and officially designated poll observers may enter. * In many states, even local, state, or federal law enforcement officers are legally barred from entering polling places unless they are responding to a call for assistance from election officials to preserve public safety.
Are There Any Exceptions?
- Voting as a Private Citizen: An off-duty ICE agent who is an eligible registered voter may enter their assigned polling place strictly in their capacity as an individual citizen to cast their ballot. Depending on state law, they are generally required to enter unarmed and without displaying badges or enforcement apparel.
- Immediate Life-Safety Emergencies: If an active, catastrophic public safety emergency occurs (such as an active shooter or bomb threat), law enforcement may respond to protect lives.
Recent Disputes Debate and legal challenges have arisen when federal officials have suggested agents could enter polling sites to respond to specific threats or execute active warrants. Voting rights organizations and state election officials consistently challenge these assertions in court, arguing that non-emergency warrant execution or stationing federal agents violates 18 U.S.C. § 592 and anti-intimidation statutes.
Original text
As a general rule, no, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot legally enter polling places to conduct immigration enforcement, patrol, or monitor voters on Election Day.
The presence of armed federal law enforcement at voting locations is tightly restricted by federal criminal law, civil rights statutes, Department of Justice (DOJ) guidelines, and state election laws.
1. Federal Criminal Law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 Under 18 U.S.C. § 592 (a Civil War–era federal statute), it is a felony for any civil or military officer of the United States to bring or keep “troops or armed men” at any place where a general or special election is being held. * Penalties: Violating this statute carries up to five years in federal prison and disqualification from holding federal office. * Exceptions: The statute contains only one narrow exception: to “repel armed enemies of the United States.” (In 1909, Congress explicitly removed an earlier exception that had allowed armed personnel to “keep the peace at the polls”).
2. Voter Intimidation Protections Several federal statutes strictly prohibit actions that could intimidate or deter eligible individuals from voting: * 18 U.S.C. § 594 makes it a federal crime to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for the purpose of interfering with the right to vote. * The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) makes it illegal to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for voting or attempting to vote. * Courts have long recognized that the presence of armed, uniformed federal officers at polling locations—particularly targeting immigrant or minority communities—can constitute unlawful voter intimidation.
3. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Policy Longstanding Department of Justice policy on election-day procedures restricts federal law enforcement personnel from being stationed inside or immediately around open polling places. * Historically, DOJ guidance has held that federal prosecutors have no authority to dispatch armed federal agents (such as FBI agents or U.S. Marshals) to polling places during voting hours. * Similarly, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sensitive location policies have traditionally designated polling sites and vote-counting locations as protected areas where routine enforcement actions should be avoided to prevent chilling civic participation.
4. State Polling Place Access Laws Under the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause, individual states regulate the administration and conduct of elections. * Most state laws explicitly restrict who is legally permitted inside a polling location. Typically, only voters casting ballots, minor children accompanying them, credentialed poll workers, and officially designated poll observers may enter. * In many states, even local, state, or federal law enforcement officers are legally barred from entering polling places unless they are responding to a call for assistance from election officials to preserve public safety.
Are There Any Exceptions?
- Voting as a Private Citizen: An off-duty ICE agent who is an eligible registered voter may enter their assigned polling place strictly in their capacity as an individual citizen to cast their ballot. Depending on state law, they are generally required to enter unarmed and without displaying badges or enforcement apparel.
- Immediate Life-Safety Emergencies: If an active, catastrophic public safety emergency occurs (such as an active shooter or bomb threat), law enforcement may respond to protect lives.
Recent Disputes Debate and legal challenges have arisen when federal officials have suggested agents could enter polling sites to respond to specific threats or execute active warrants. Voting rights organizations and state election officials consistently challenge these assertions in court, arguing that non-emergency warrant execution or stationing federal agents violates 18 U.S.C. § 592 and anti-intimidation statutes.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - democracydocket.com - elpais.com - justia.com - cbsnews.com
English translation
As a general rule, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents cannot patrol or conduct routine immigration operations inside polling places in the United States. The presence of armed federal agents in these locations is heavily restricted by federal law:
1. Federal Legal Framework
* Prohibition of armed personnel at elections (18 U.S. Code § 592):
This federal criminal statute prohibits any military or civil officer of the U.S. government from sending or keeping "troops or armed men" at any place where an election is held. The only express exception in the law is to "repel armed enemies of the United States." Since ICE agents carry firearms on duty, their presence at the polls would violate this statute.
* Voter intimidation laws:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) and federal civil rights laws expressly prohibit any act of intimidation, coercion, or threat that deters citizens from exercising their right to vote. The visible presence of immigration authorities at a polling place is legally considered a factor that could deter voters (especially citizens belonging to mixed-status families or minorities).
* State laws and regulations:
Many states have their own statutes prohibiting the presence of law enforcement officers or armed individuals within a certain distance (for example, 100 to 1,000 feet) of the ballot boxes, except in emergencies or for personnel expressly authorized by election officials.
2. Department of Homeland Security (DHS / ICE) Policies
* Sensitive locations / Protected areas:
Department of Homeland Security guidelines have traditionally categorized polling places and voter registration sites as "protected areas" or "sensitive locations." Internal policy prohibits conducting routine raids or arrests in these areas to ensure that individuals can exercise their essential civil rights without fear.
* Official DHS statements:
The Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly asserted that ICE does not plan operations targeting polling places, nor does it have agents assigned to patrol such facilities.
3. Extraordinary Exceptions and Recent Debates
* Active security threats:
Both the law and the guidelines contemplate that any law enforcement agency may intervene in the event of an imminent public safety emergency (for example, a terrorist attack, an active shooter, or a threat directly endangering the people present at the facility).
* Debate regarding arrest warrants:
In political discussions and DHS statements, some officials have suggested that ICE agents could theoretically enter if they are in hot pursuit or executing a judicial warrant against a specific individual. However, this stance has sparked lawsuits and rejection from local secretaries of state and election law experts, who argue that even the execution of a routine warrant violates the statutory prohibition of 18 U.S.C. § 592 and voting rights.
In conclusion, ICE agents have no legal authority to monitor polling places or verify the immigration status of voters, and their armed presence in such locations is considered contrary to federal law except in extraordinary cases of emergency or imminent danger to public safety.
Original text
Por regla general, los agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) no pueden patrullar ni realizar operativos migratorios rutinarios dentro de los centros de votación en los Estados Unidos. La presencia de agentes federales armados en estos lugares está fuertemente restringida por la ley federal:
1. Marco legal federal
* Prohibición de personal armado en elecciones (18 U.S. Code § 592):
Esta ley penal federal prohíbe que cualquier funcionario militar o civil del gobierno de los EE. UU. envíe o mantenga «tropas u hombres armados» en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección. La única excepción expresa en la ley es para «repeler a enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos». Dado que los agentes de ICE portan armas de fuego en servicio, su presencia en los comicios vulneraría este estatuto.
* Leyes contra la intimidación al votante:
La Ley de Derecho al Voto de 1965 (Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) y las leyes de derechos civiles federales prohíben expresamente cualquier acto de intimidación, coerción o amenaza que disuada a los ciudadanos de ejercer su derecho al voto. La presencia visible de autoridades de inmigración en una casilla electoral se considera legalmente un factor que puede disuadir a votantes (especialmente a ciudadanos pertenecientes a familias de estatus mixto o minorías).
* Leyes y normativas estatales:
Muchos estados cuentan con estatutos propios que prohíben la presencia de agentes del orden o personas armadas a menos de cierta distancia (por ejemplo, 30 a 300 metros) de las urnas electorales, salvo emergencias o personal expresamente autorizado por los secretarios electorales.
2. Políticas del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS / ICE)
* Lugares sensibles / Áreas protegidas:
Las directrices del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional tradicionalmente catalogan los centros de votación y los lugares donde se ejerce el registro electoral como «áreas protegidas» (protected areas o sensitive locations). La política interna prohíbe llevar a cabo redadas o arrestos rutinarios en estas áreas para garantizar que las personas puedan ejercer sus derechos civiles esenciales sin temor.
* Declaraciones oficiales del DHS:
El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional ha asegurado reiteradamente que ICE no planifica operaciones que tengan como objetivo los centros de votación ni cuenta con agentes asignados a patrullar dichos recintos.
3. Excepciones extraordinarias y debates recientes
* Amenazas activas a la seguridad:
Tanto la ley como las directrices contemplan que cualquier agencia del orden puede intervenir ante una emergencia de seguridad pública inminente (por ejemplo, un atentado terrorista, un tirador activo o una amenaza que ponga en peligro directo a las personas presentes en el recinto).
* Debate sobre órdenes de arresto:
En discusiones políticas y declaraciones del DHS, algunos funcionarios han sugerido que agentes de ICE teóricamente podrían entrar si se encuentran en persecución activa o cumpliendo una orden judicial (warrant) contra un individuo específico. Sin embargo, esta postura ha provocado demandas judiciales y el rechazo de secretarios de estado locales y expertos en derecho electoral, quienes argumentan que incluso la ejecución de una orden rutinaria viola la prohibición legal de 18 U.S.C. § 592 y los derechos electorales.
En conclusión, los agentes de ICE no tienen autoridad legal para vigilar centros de votación ni verificar el estatus migratorio de los electores, y su presencia armada en dichos lugares se considera contraria a la ley federal salvo en casos extraordinarios de emergencia o peligro inminente para la seguridad pública.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - democracydocket.com - youtube.com - facebook.com - protectdemocracy.org - washingtonpost.com
English translation
In the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents do not have the legal right to patrol polling places or conduct immigration raids and checks at them on Election Day.
Polling places are subject to a strict system of legal prohibitions at the federal, state, and internal levels of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
1. Federal Law (18 U.S.C. § 592) The federal criminal code explicitly prohibits U.S. civil or military officials from deploying or keeping "troops or armed men" at places where elections are held. Violation of this law is punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment. The only exception prescribed in this provision is to repel an armed attack by external enemies of the United States ("to repel armed enemies of the United States"). Department of Justice (DOJ) guidelines have historically interpreted this provision to mean that even FBI agents and U.S. Marshals are prohibited from being present at open polling sites with weapons.
2. Prohibition on Voter Intimidation * The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) and 18 U.S.C. § 594 make it a criminal offense to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any voter. * Judicial precedent and legal scholars unambiguously classify the presence of armed immigration officers at polling sites as a factor in voter intimidation (especially of naturalized citizens and minority representatives), which leads to suppression of turnout (chilling effect).
3. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "Protected Areas" Policy DHS and ICE internal directives classify places where civil rights are exercised (including polling places, voter registration sites, and vote-counting centers) as "protected areas" (formerly sensitive locations). According to these rules, employees are prohibited from conducting arrests or enforcement actions inside such places or in their immediate vicinity without exceptional prior approval from leadership.
4. State Laws The organization and administration of elections in the U.S. fall under the jurisdiction of the states. The laws of the vast majority of states strictly regulate the range of individuals permitted to be inside a polling place (election commission members, voting citizens, and officially registered observers). Local police may appear at a polling place, as a rule, only upon a direct call from election officials to suppress offenses or breaches of the peace.
In what scenarios could an ICE agent theoretically be present at a polling site legally? 1. Personal voting: An ICE agent has the right to come to a polling site as an ordinary citizen to vote (off duty, without a uniform, insignia, or weapons). 2. Emergency situations (threat to life): In the event of an active threat to public safety (for example, a terrorist attack or an active shooter), any law enforcement officer is obligated to assist emergency services in saving lives.
Any attempts to involve ICE agents in monitoring the voting process, checking documents, or searching for undocumented individuals at polling places are illegal and will be challenged by state election commissions and courts.
Original text
В Соединённых Штатах агенты Иммиграционной и таможенной полиции (ICE) не имеют законного права патрулировать избирательные участки или проводить на них иммиграционные рейды и проверки в день выборов.
На избирательные участки распространяется строгая система правовых запретов на федеральном уровне, уровне штатов и внутри самого Министерства внутренней безопасности США (DHS):
1. Федеральный закон (18 U.S.C. § 592) Федеральный уголовный кодекс прямо запрещает гражданским или военным должностным лицам США направлять или содержать «войска или вооружённых лиц» («troops or armed men») в местах проведения выборов. Нарушение этого закона наказывается лишением свободы на срок до 5 лет. Единственное исключение, прописанное в этой норме — отражение вооружённого нападения внешних врагов США («to repel armed enemies of the United States»). Руководства Министерства юстиции (DOJ) исторически трактуют это положение так, что даже агентам ФБР и маршалам США запрещено находиться на открытых участках с оружием.
2. Запрет на запугивание избирателей * Закон об избирательных правах 1965 года (Voting Rights Act, 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) и 18 U.S.C. § 594 делают уголовным преступлением любое запугивание, угрозы или принуждение в отношении избирателей. * Судебная практика и правоведы однозначно расценивают присутствие вооружённых иммиграционных офицеров на участках как фактор запугивания избирателей (особенно натурализованных граждан и представителей меньшинств), что приводит к сдерживанию явки (chilling effect).
3. Политика «защищённых зон» Министерства внутренней безопасности (DHS) Ведомственные инструкции DHS и ICE относят места осуществления гражданских прав (включая избирательные участки, пункты регистрации избирателей и подсчёта голосов) к «защищённым зонам» (protected areas, ранее — sensitive locations). Согласно этим правилам, сотрудникам запрещено проводить задержания или правоприменительные действия внутри таких мест или в непосредственной близости от них без исключительного предварительного разрешения руководства.
4. Законодательство штатов Организация и охрана выборов в США находятся в ведении штатов. Законы абсолютного большинства штатов строго регламентируют круг лиц, имеющих право находиться на избирательном участке (члены избирательных комиссий, голосующие граждане и официально зарегистрированные наблюдатели). Местная полиция может появляться на участке, как правило, только по прямому вызову сотрудников избиркома для пресечения правонарушений или нарушений порядка.
В каких случаях агент ICE теоретически может оказаться на участке законно? 1. Личное голосование: агент ICE имеет право прийти на участок как обычный гражданин, чтобы проголосовать (вне службы, без формы, знаков отличия и оружия). 2. Экстренные ситуации (угроза жизни): в случае активной угрозы общественной безопасности (например, теракт или активный стрелок), любой сотрудник правоохранительных органов обязан оказать содействие экстренным службам для спасения жизней.
Любые попытки задействовать агентов ICE для контроля процесса голосования, проверки документов или поиска лиц без документов на избирательных участках являются незаконными и оспариваются избирательными комиссиями штатов и судами.
Mistral Medium 3.5
Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Could ICE be stationed at the polls during NC elections? | Raleigh News & Observer - Federal Agents at the Polls - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls
English translation
No, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States. Federal law explicitly prohibits the deployment of federal troops or armed federal law enforcement agents, including ICE, at or near polling places or any location where elections are held. This prohibition is codified in 18 U.S.C. § 592, which makes it a federal crime—punishable by up to five years in prison—to station troops or armed men at polling places unless such force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. The law applies to all federal law enforcement officers, not just military personnel, and covers all election sites, including polling places, vote-counting facilities, and drop boxes.
Additionally, both federal and state laws prohibit voter intimidation, and the presence of armed federal agents at polling places could be considered a form of intimidation, further reinforcing the illegality of such actions.
Original text
No, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States. Federal law explicitly prohibits the deployment of federal troops or armed federal law enforcement agents, including ICE, at or near polling places or any location where elections are held. This prohibition is codified in 18 U.S.C. § 592, which makes it a federal crime—punishable by up to five years in prison—to station troops or armed men at polling places unless such force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. The law applies to all federal law enforcement officers, not just military personnel, and covers all election sites, including polling places, vote-counting facilities, and drop boxes.
Additionally, both federal and state laws prohibit voter intimidation, and the presence of armed federal agents at polling places could be considered a form of intimidation, further reinforcing the illegality of such actions.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Enviar a los agentes de ICE a los sitios de votación es ilegal - Cómo prevenir la intimidación de los votantes por agentes federales en los sitios de votación | Brennan Center for Justice - Trump no descarta presencia federal en urnas: Casa Blanca - Agentes de ICE han sido desplegados en los aeropuertos de EE.UU. ¿Serán las elecciones las siguientes? | CNN - ¿Puede ICE realizar operativos en los centros de votación? Crece el temor de las familias mixtas en EE.UU.
English translation
No, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States. According to federal laws, armed federal officers, including ICE agents, are prohibited from being present at locations where elections are held, such as polling places, vote-counting facilities, or ballot drop boxes. These prohibitions aim to prevent voter intimidation and ensure free elections.
Additionally, Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 592, explicitly prohibits the deployment of troops or armed men at sites where elections are held, unless it is to repel an attack by armed enemies of the country, which does not apply in the context of a normal electoral process. There are also other federal laws, such as 18 U.S.C. § 595 and the Voting Rights Act, that protect against voter intimidation by federal officials, including ICE agents.
If any voter or election official observes the presence of ICE agents at a polling place, they can report it to local authorities or call the number 866-OUR-VOTE (866–687–8683) to protect their rights.
Original text
No, los agentes del ICE no pueden entrar legalmente en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones en los Estados Unidos. Según leyes federales, está prohibido que oficiales federales armados, incluyendo a agentes del ICE, estén presentes en los lugares donde se llevan a cabo elecciones, como centros de votación, instalaciones de conteo de votos o buzones de devolución de boletas. Estas prohibiciones buscan evitar la intimidación de votantes y garantizar elecciones libres.
Además, el Título 18 del Código de los Estados Unidos, sección 592, prohíbe explícitamente el despliegue de tropas o hombres armados en sitios donde se realicen elecciones, a menos que sea para repeler un ataque de enemigos armados del país, lo cual no aplica en el contexto de un proceso electoral normal. También existen otras leyes federales, como el 18 U.S.C. § 595 y la Ley de Derecho al Voto, que protegen contra la intimidación de votantes por parte de funcionarios federales, incluyendo agentes del ICE.
Si algún votante o funcionario electoral observa la presencia de agentes del ICE en un centro de votación, puede reportarlo a las autoridades locales o llamar al número 866-OUR-VOTE (866–687–8683) para proteger sus derechos.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Brennan Center for ... - Выборы в США: Минюст отправит наблюдателей в 86 избирательных округов • Портал АНТИКОР - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls | Brennan Center for Justice - Минюст США будет контролировать выборы в 86 округах, больше всего за два десятилетия – СМИ - Could ICE be stationed at the polls during NC elections? | Raleigh News & Observer
English translation
No, ICE agents do not have the right under the law to enter polling places on Election Day in the United States.
According to federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 592, the deployment of troops or armed federal personnel (including ICE employees) at places where elections are held is prohibited, except in cases of repelling an armed attack by enemies of the US. This law was passed back in 1865 and applies to all locations where elections are held, including polling places, voting offices, and vote-counting centers. In addition, any form of voter intimidation, including through the presence of federal agents, is illegal under federal and state laws.
ICE has nothing to do with maintaining order at elections, and their presence at polling places can be viewed as voter intimidation, which is also prohibited by law. If such incidents occur, voters and election organizers can turn to the court to protect their rights or report the incident to the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline.
Original text
Нет, агенты ICE не имеют права на законных основаниях входить на избирательные участки в день выборов в Соединённых Штатах.
Согласно федеральному законодательству, а именно 18 U.S.C. § 592, запрещается размещение войск или вооружённых федеральных сотрудников (в том числе сотрудников ICE) на участках, где проходят выборы, за исключением случаев отражения вооружённого нападения врагов США. Этот закон был принят ещё в 1865 году и распространяется на все места, где проходят выборы, включая избирательные участки, офисы для голосования и пункты подсчёта голосов. Кроме того, любая форма запугивания избирателей, в том числе присутствием федеральных агентов, является незаконной согласно федеральным и штатным законам.
ICE не имеет никакого отношения к обеспечению порядка на выборах, и их присутствие на участках может рассматриваться как запугивание избирателей, что также запрещено законом. Если такие случаи происходят, избиратели и организаторы выборов могут обратиться в суд для защиты своих прав или сообщить о происшествии по горячей линии 866-OUR-VOTE.
GPT-5.6 Sol
Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - https://usc-cdn.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section592&utm_source=openai - Federal Prosecution of Election OffensesEighth Edi - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&f=treesort&fq=true&granuleId=USC-prelim-title52-section10307&hl=true&num=21093&req=10+USC&utm_source=openai - Polling Places - Civil Rights Division | Voting Section | United States Department of Justice
English translation
Generally, no—not while acting as armed federal immigration-enforcement officers at an active polling place. But the rule is not an absolute ban on every form of entry.
- Federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 criminalizes using federal authority to bring or keep troops or “armed men” at a polling place during a general or special election, except when necessary to repel an armed attack. (usc-cdn.house.gov)
- Justice Department interpretation: DOJ guidance says this provision prevents armed federal agents from conducting investigations inside active polls or being stationed there. Although its examples concern FBI agents and U.S. marshals, the same reasoning would ordinarily cover armed ICE officers. (justice.gov)
- Voter intimidation: Regardless of whether agents are inside or immediately outside, using their presence to intimidate, threaten or deter people from voting would violate federal voting-rights laws. (uscode.house.gov)
- State law: States control access to polling rooms, and several expressly restrict federal immigration agents near polling places. The exact distance and exceptions vary by state. (ncsl.org)
Possible lawful situations include:
- Responding to an active shooter, bomb threat or comparable immediate danger.
- Entering after the polling place has ceased operating because of an emergency.
- An off-duty agent entering in a personal capacity, such as to vote, while following ordinary polling-place rules.
- Other exceptional circumstances authorized by applicable law or a court—though a routine immigration arrest or “poll watching” operation inside an active poll would face serious legal barriers.
One technical qualification: §592 expressly covers general and special elections, not primaries, although voter-intimidation laws and state polling-place restrictions still apply to primaries.
If armed ICE agents appear at a polling location, voters should avoid confronting them and immediately notify the chief election official. An immediate threat should be reported to 911; possible voting-rights violations can be reported to DOJ’s Voting Section at 800-253-3931. (justice.gov)
This is general legal information; application can depend on the state, type of election and circumstances.
Original text
Generally, no—not while acting as armed federal immigration-enforcement officers at an active polling place. But the rule is not an absolute ban on every form of entry.
- Federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 criminalizes using federal authority to bring or keep troops or “armed men” at a polling place during a general or special election, except when necessary to repel an armed attack. (usc-cdn.house.gov)
- Justice Department interpretation: DOJ guidance says this provision prevents armed federal agents from conducting investigations inside active polls or being stationed there. Although its examples concern FBI agents and U.S. marshals, the same reasoning would ordinarily cover armed ICE officers. (justice.gov)
- Voter intimidation: Regardless of whether agents are inside or immediately outside, using their presence to intimidate, threaten or deter people from voting would violate federal voting-rights laws. (uscode.house.gov)
- State law: States control access to polling rooms, and several expressly restrict federal immigration agents near polling places. The exact distance and exceptions vary by state. (ncsl.org)
Possible lawful situations include:
- Responding to an active shooter, bomb threat or comparable immediate danger.
- Entering after the polling place has ceased operating because of an emergency.
- An off-duty agent entering in a personal capacity, such as to vote, while following ordinary polling-place rules.
- Other exceptional circumstances authorized by applicable law or a court—though a routine immigration arrest or “poll watching” operation inside an active poll would face serious legal barriers.
One technical qualification: §592 expressly covers general and special elections, not primaries, although voter-intimidation laws and state polling-place restrictions still apply to primaries.
If armed ICE agents appear at a polling location, voters should avoid confronting them and immediately notify the chief election official. An immediate threat should be reported to 911; possible voting-rights violations can be reported to DOJ’s Voting Section at 800-253-3931. (justice.gov)
This is general legal information; application can depend on the state, type of election and circumstances.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section592&utm_source=openai - Federal Prosecution of Election OffensesEighth Edi - Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses Eighth - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%28title%3A18+section%3A594+edition%3Aprelim%29&utm_source=openai - SecreUiiy U.S.Department of Homeland Sceurit) Wa - Civil Rights Division | Voting Section | United States Department of Justice
English translation
In general, ICE agents cannot be deployed or remain armed inside an open polling place to conduct routine immigration enforcement operations. However, the legal answer is not an absolute "no."
- Armed federal agents: Federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 592, prohibits federal officials from ordering, bringing, or keeping troops or armed persons at any place where a general or special election is held. The Department of Justice manual interprets this as preventing armed federal agents from conducting investigations inside open polling places. (uscode.house.gov)
- Primary elections: According to the Department of Justice, that specific provision does not cover primaries. Even so, state laws, polling place rules, and prohibitions against intimidation continue to apply. (justice.gov)
- Unarmed agents: There is no categorical federal prohibition against all presence of unarmed federal personnel, but their entry must be permitted by election authorities and by state and local laws. (justice.gov)
- Emergencies: Intervention for an immediate threat—for example, an active shooter or a bomb—may be legal, especially when the facility has already ceased functioning as a polling place. (justice.gov)
- Intimidation: Even outside the door, any operation aimed at frightening, threatening, or preventing people from voting may violate federal laws against voter intimidation. (uscode.house.gov)
Since January 20, 2025, DHS eliminated its general policy limiting immigration enforcement operations in certain "protected areas." But that decision does not automatically authorize ICE to enter polling places nor does it override federal or state election laws. (dhs.gov)
If ICE presence occurs at a polling place:
- Do not physically confront the agents.
- Immediately notify the poll worker or election judge at the facility.
- Document from a safe distance, if local law permits.
- In the event of threats or immediate danger, call 911.
- You can report it to the Department of Justice Voting Section at 800-253-3931; election threats can also be reported to the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI. (justice.gov)
The exact legality will depend on whether the agents are armed, where they are located, what type of election is being held, the purpose of their presence, and state laws. This is general information, not legal advice.
Original text
En general, los agentes de ICE no pueden ser desplegados ni permanecer armados dentro de un centro de votación abierto para realizar operaciones migratorias rutinarias. Sin embargo, la respuesta jurídica no es un “no” absoluto.
- Agentes federales armados: La ley federal, 18 U.S.C. § 592, prohíbe que funcionarios federales ordenen, lleven o mantengan tropas o personas armadas en lugares donde se celebra una elección general o especial. El manual del Departamento de Justicia interpreta que esto impide que agentes federales armados realicen investigaciones dentro de centros de votación abiertos. (uscode.house.gov)
- Elecciones primarias: Según el Departamento de Justicia, esa disposición concreta no cubre las primarias. Aun así, continúan aplicándose las leyes estatales, las reglas del centro electoral y las prohibiciones contra la intimidación. (justice.gov)
- Agentes sin armas: No existe una prohibición federal categórica contra toda presencia de personal federal desarmado, pero su entrada debe estar permitida por las autoridades electorales y por las leyes estatales y locales. (justice.gov)
- Emergencias: Puede ser legal una intervención por una amenaza inmediata —por ejemplo, un tirador activo o una bomba— especialmente cuando el centro ya dejó de funcionar como lugar de votación. (justice.gov)
- Intimidación: Incluso fuera de la puerta, cualquier operación dirigida a asustar, amenazar o impedir que las personas voten puede infringir las leyes federales contra la intimidación electoral. (uscode.house.gov)
Desde el 20 de enero de 2025, DHS eliminó su política general que limitaba las operaciones migratorias en determinadas “áreas protegidas”. Pero esa decisión no autoriza automáticamente a ICE a entrar en centros de votación ni anula las leyes electorales federales o estatales. (dhs.gov)
Si ocurre una presencia de ICE en un centro electoral:
- No confronte físicamente a los agentes.
- Avise inmediatamente al encargado o juez electoral del centro.
- Documente desde una distancia segura, si la ley local lo permite.
- Ante amenazas o peligro inmediato, llame al 911.
- Puede denunciarlo a la Sección de Votación del Departamento de Justicia al 800-253-3931; las amenazas electorales también pueden reportarse al FBI al 800-CALL-FBI. (justice.gov)
La legalidad exacta dependerá de si los agentes están armados, dónde se encuentran, qué tipo de elección se celebra, el propósito de su presencia y las leyes del estado. Esto es información general, no asesoramiento jurídico.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses Eighth - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=%28title%3A18+section%3A594+edition%3Aprelim%29&utm_source=openai - https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?edition=prelim&num=0&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section592&utm_source=openai - Issue Date: - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLYOffice of the DirectorU.S. Department of Homeland Security - Civil Rights Division - Department of Justice - Voting resources
English translation
Short answer: not automatically. ICE agents do not have a general right to enter a polling place simply to conduct immigration checks or voter surveillance. However, there is also no absolute federal ban on any appearance by them there—legality depends on the purpose, the specific location, state law, and the presence of exigent circumstances.
Key limitations:
- Access inside a polling place is regulated primarily by state law. Typically, only voters, poll workers, officially authorized observers, and other specially authorized persons may be in the voting area. The Department of Justice notes that federal employees generally have no basis to act as observers or enter such an area without specific authority. (justice.gov)
- Intimidation or creating obstacles to voting is illegal. Federal laws prohibit threats, coercion, and attempts to prevent a person from voting; this extends to the actions of government employees as well. (uscode.house.gov)
- The organized deployment of armed federal employees to a polling place may fall under 18 U.S.C. §592. The statute establishes criminal liability for a federal official who brings or stations "armed men" there, except in the extremely narrow situation of repelling an armed enemy. However, this does not mean that any appearance by an individual armed employee is automatically a crime—circumstances and purpose matter. (uscode.house.gov)
- A standard ICE administrative warrant does not grant unlimited rights to enter enclosed or private spaces. As a rule, the consent of an authorized person, a judicial warrant, or an applicable exception such as an emergency is required. (ice.gov)
- Current ICE internal policy does not explicitly list polling places among explicitly enumerated "protected areas." Guidance from January 31, 2025, moved away from a rigid list of prohibitions and left agents with more discretion. However, ICE internal policy does not override state election laws and federal prohibitions on voter intimidation. (ice.gov)
Thus, ICE may lawfully be present in a public area of a building, act in a genuine emergency, or exercise a specific lawful authority, but a routine immigration operation directly inside a polling place—especially involving armed agents or questioning voters—would raise serious questions under federal and state law.
If ICE appears at a polling place, one should not offer physical resistance, but rather immediately notify the polling place supervisor and local election authorities. In the event of threats or intimidation, call 911; a complaint regarding voting rights violations can also be submitted to the Department of Justice Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931. (civilrights.justice.gov)
This is general legal information and not legal advice; access rules vary by state.
Original text
Краткий ответ: не автоматически. У агентов ICE нет общего права входить в помещение для голосования просто для проведения иммиграционных проверок или наблюдения за избирателями. Но абсолютного федерального запрета на любое их появление там тоже нет — законность зависит от цели, конкретного помещения, законодательства штата и наличия чрезвычайных обстоятельств.
Основные ограничения:
- Доступ внутрь избирательного участка регулируется прежде всего законодательством штата. Обычно в зоне голосования могут находиться только избиратели, сотрудники комиссии, официально допущенные наблюдатели и иные специально уполномоченные лица. Министерство юстиции отмечает, что федеральные сотрудники, как правило, не имеют основания выступать наблюдателями или входить в такую зону без специального полномочия. (justice.gov)
- Запугивание или создание препятствий голосованию незаконно. Федеральные законы запрещают угрозы, принуждение и попытки помешать человеку проголосовать; это распространяется и на действия государственных служащих. (uscode.house.gov)
- Организованное направление вооружённых федеральных служащих к месту голосования может подпадать под 18 U.S.C. §592. Закон устанавливает уголовную ответственность для федерального должностного лица, которое приводит или размещает там «вооружённых людей», за исключением крайне узкой ситуации отражения вооружённого врага. Однако это не означает, что любое появление отдельного вооружённого сотрудника автоматически является преступлением — важны обстоятельства и цель. (uscode.house.gov)
- Обычный административный ордер ICE не даёт неограниченного права входить в закрытые или частные помещения. Как правило, требуется согласие уполномоченного лица, судебный ордер либо применимое исключение, например неотложная ситуация. (ice.gov)
- Нынешняя внутренняя политика ICE не относит избирательные участки к прямо перечисленным “protected areas”. Руководство от 31 января 2025 года отказалось от жёсткого перечня запретов и оставило агентам больше усмотрения. Но внутренняя политика ICE не отменяет избирательное законодательство штата и федеральные запреты на запугивание избирателей. (ice.gov)
Таким образом, ICE может законно оказаться в общедоступной части здания, действовать в настоящей чрезвычайной ситуации или исполнять конкретное законное полномочие, но обычная иммиграционная операция непосредственно в помещении для голосования — особенно с вооружёнными агентами или опросом избирателей — вызвала бы серьёзные вопросы по федеральному и штатному законодательству.
При появлении ICE на участке следует не оказывать физического сопротивления, а немедленно уведомить руководителя избирательного участка и местные избирательные органы. При угрозах или запугивании — звонить 911; жалобу по поводу нарушения избирательных прав можно также направить в Voting Section Министерства юстиции по номеру 1‑800‑253‑3931. (civilrights.justice.gov)
Это общая правовая информация, а не юридическая консультация; правила доступа различаются по штатам.
Qwen3.7 Plus
Repeated check: no difference in 2 answer rounds. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Some Republican-led states refuse to let Justice Department monitors into polling places | AP News - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF - Federal Agents at the Polls
English translation
No, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States. Federal and state laws explicitly prohibit this.
Key Legal Prohibitions
Federal Law (18 U.S.C. § 592): It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for anyone in federal service to deploy "troops or armed men" to any location where voting is taking place. The only exception is if force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. This law dates back to 1865, and Congress removed the "keep the peace" exception in 1909 specifically to prevent federal authorities from using disturbances as a pretext to deploy forces to polling places.
ICE Agents Are Covered: ICE agents are armed federal law enforcement officers, so they fall squarely under this prohibition. The Brennan Center for Justice has explicitly stated that "sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to the polls is illegal."
Voter Intimidation Laws: Federal law also prohibits voter intimidation. The presence of ICE agents at polling places could constitute intimidation under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Anyone intimidated by such presence could seek a court order to block it, and the person bringing the suit only needs to prove they were intimidated—not that the agent intended to intimidate.
State Laws: Every state outlaws voter intimidation, and many prohibit carrying firearms at or near polling places. These state laws provide additional criminal penalties and the ability to file civil lawsuits.
Bottom Line
The law is clear: deploying ICE agents or any armed federal law enforcement to polling places is illegal under multiple federal statutes and state laws. Any such action would be subject to immediate legal challenges and could result in criminal liability for those involved.
Original text
No, ICE agents cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in the United States. Federal and state laws explicitly prohibit this.
Key Legal Prohibitions
Federal Law (18 U.S.C. § 592): It is a federal crime, punishable by up to five years in prison, for anyone in federal service to deploy "troops or armed men" to any location where voting is taking place. The only exception is if force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. This law dates back to 1865, and Congress removed the "keep the peace" exception in 1909 specifically to prevent federal authorities from using disturbances as a pretext to deploy forces to polling places.
ICE Agents Are Covered: ICE agents are armed federal law enforcement officers, so they fall squarely under this prohibition. The Brennan Center for Justice has explicitly stated that "sending ICE or any other armed federal agents to the polls is illegal."
Voter Intimidation Laws: Federal law also prohibits voter intimidation. The presence of ICE agents at polling places could constitute intimidation under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Anyone intimidated by such presence could seek a court order to block it, and the person bringing the suit only needs to prove they were intimidated—not that the agent intended to intimidate.
State Laws: Every state outlaws voter intimidation, and many prohibit carrying firearms at or near polling places. These state laws provide additional criminal penalties and the ability to file civil lawsuits.
Bottom Line
The law is clear: deploying ICE agents or any armed federal law enforcement to polling places is illegal under multiple federal statutes and state laws. Any such action would be subject to immediate legal challenges and could result in criminal liability for those involved.
English — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Brennan Center for ... - Federal Agents at the Polls - American Civil Liberties Union - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Can States Stop the Administration’s Deployment of Troops or ICE to the Polls? | State Democracy Research Initiative – University of Wisconsin Law School - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal | Brennan Center for Justice - Federal Agents at the Polls - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls - LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE AT POLLING PLACES - Schumer and Jeffries sue to keep ICE and FBI out of November polling places
English translation
No, it is illegal for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—or any other armed federal law enforcement officers—to enter polling places on Election Day.
Multiple layers of federal and state law strictly prohibit the presence of armed federal agents at polling locations and criminalize any actions that could constitute voter intimidation.
Here is a breakdown of the laws that make this illegal:
1. The Federal Ban on Armed Agents at Polling Places Under 18 U.S.C. § 592, it is a federal felony (punishable by up to five years in prison and disqualification from holding U.S. office) for anyone in the "civil, military, or naval service of the United States" to bring "troops or armed men" to any place where an election is being held. * Because ICE agents are armed federal officers in the civil service of the U.S., this statute explicitly applies to them. * The law, which dates back to 1865, contains only one exception: armed forces may be present only if necessary to "repel armed enemies of the United States." * In 1909, Congress specifically removed a previous exception that had allowed troops at the polls to "keep the peace" to prevent the federal government from using disturbances as a pretext to deploy armed forces to elections.
2. Federal Voter Intimidation Laws Even if agents were not armed, deploying them to a polling place would violate several federal civil rights and election laws designed to prevent voter intimidation: * The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits the intimidation, threats, or coercion of anyone voting or aiding others to vote. * 18 U.S.C. § 241 makes it a crime to conspire to threaten, intimidate, or injure anyone in the free exercise of their constitutional rights, which includes the right to vote. * 52 U.S.C. § 20511 makes it a federal crime to intimidate or attempt to intimidate a voter in a federal election. * The Hatch Act (18 U.S.C. § 595) prohibits civilian federal employees from using their official authority or position to influence or interfere with a federal election.
3. Department of Justice Guidance The Department of Justice (DOJ) has long maintained a strict interpretation of these laws. According to DOJ guidance on federal election offenses, the ban on "armed men" applies to federal law enforcement agencies. The DOJ's position is that these statutes prohibit armed federal agents—such as FBI Special Agents or Deputy U.S. Marshals—from conducting investigations or being stationed at open polls on Election Day.
4. State Laws In addition to federal law, every state has its own laws governing polling places. Most states explicitly prohibit law enforcement officers from being present inside or within a certain buffer zone (often 100 feet) of a polling place unless they are there to vote or have been specifically invited by election officials to handle a localized security issue. Furthermore, all states have their own criminal statutes that make voter intimidation a crime.
5. ICE Has No Election Jurisdiction Finally, ICE is a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS and its sub-agencies have absolutely no jurisdiction, authority, or role in enforcing U.S. election laws. Election administration and enforcement are handled at the state and local levels.
Summary: Sending armed ICE agents to a polling place would be a direct violation of federal criminal law, federal civil rights statutes, and state election codes. If such an event were to occur, voters, election workers, or state attorneys general could immediately seek emergency injunctions in federal court to block the agents and remove them from the premises.
Original text
No, it is illegal for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—or any other armed federal law enforcement officers—to enter polling places on Election Day.
Multiple layers of federal and state law strictly prohibit the presence of armed federal agents at polling locations and criminalize any actions that could constitute voter intimidation.
Here is a breakdown of the laws that make this illegal:
1. The Federal Ban on Armed Agents at Polling Places Under 18 U.S.C. § 592, it is a federal felony (punishable by up to five years in prison and disqualification from holding U.S. office) for anyone in the "civil, military, or naval service of the United States" to bring "troops or armed men" to any place where an election is being held. * Because ICE agents are armed federal officers in the civil service of the U.S., this statute explicitly applies to them. * The law, which dates back to 1865, contains only one exception: armed forces may be present only if necessary to "repel armed enemies of the United States." * In 1909, Congress specifically removed a previous exception that had allowed troops at the polls to "keep the peace" to prevent the federal government from using disturbances as a pretext to deploy armed forces to elections.
2. Federal Voter Intimidation Laws Even if agents were not armed, deploying them to a polling place would violate several federal civil rights and election laws designed to prevent voter intimidation: * The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits the intimidation, threats, or coercion of anyone voting or aiding others to vote. * 18 U.S.C. § 241 makes it a crime to conspire to threaten, intimidate, or injure anyone in the free exercise of their constitutional rights, which includes the right to vote. * 52 U.S.C. § 20511 makes it a federal crime to intimidate or attempt to intimidate a voter in a federal election. * The Hatch Act (18 U.S.C. § 595) prohibits civilian federal employees from using their official authority or position to influence or interfere with a federal election.
3. Department of Justice Guidance The Department of Justice (DOJ) has long maintained a strict interpretation of these laws. According to DOJ guidance on federal election offenses, the ban on "armed men" applies to federal law enforcement agencies. The DOJ's position is that these statutes prohibit armed federal agents—such as FBI Special Agents or Deputy U.S. Marshals—from conducting investigations or being stationed at open polls on Election Day.
4. State Laws In addition to federal law, every state has its own laws governing polling places. Most states explicitly prohibit law enforcement officers from being present inside or within a certain buffer zone (often 100 feet) of a polling place unless they are there to vote or have been specifically invited by election officials to handle a localized security issue. Furthermore, all states have their own criminal statutes that make voter intimidation a crime.
5. ICE Has No Election Jurisdiction Finally, ICE is a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS and its sub-agencies have absolutely no jurisdiction, authority, or role in enforcing U.S. election laws. Election administration and enforcement are handled at the state and local levels.
Summary: Sending armed ICE agents to a polling place would be a direct violation of federal criminal law, federal civil rights statutes, and state election codes. If such an event were to occur, voters, election workers, or state attorneys general could immediately seek emergency injunctions in federal court to block the agents and remove them from the premises.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - DHS Protected Areas FAQs | U.S. Customs and Border Protection - https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.287352/gov.uscourts.mad.287352.1.5.pdf - EXHIBIT 2 - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Can States Stop the Administration's Deployment of Troops or ...
English translation
The short answer is no. Generally speaking, it is illegal for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or any other armed federal agents to enter or be deployed to polling places on Election Day in the United States.
This is due to a combination of federal laws, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies, and the jurisdictional limits of these agencies:
1. Federal laws against armed agents at polling places U.S. federal law (specifically Title 18, U.S. Code, § 592) explicitly prohibits the deployment of "troops or armed men" at any place where an election is being held. The Department of Justice has historically interpreted this law—which dates back to 1865—to apply to armed federal agents (such as ICE, FBI, or U.S. marshals), since they are required to carry their issued firearms while on duty. The only legal exception is if they are needed to "repel armed enemies of the United States."
2. Laws against voter intimidation Multiple federal and state laws (such as Title 18, §§ 593, 594, 241, 242 and Title 52, § 10102) strictly prohibit voter intimidation or interference with the right to vote. The presence of armed immigration agents at or near a polling place can legally be considered an intimidation tactic, which is a federal and state crime regardless of the agent's intent.
3. DHS policies on "Protected Areas" The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency to which ICE belongs, has guidelines that limit law enforcement actions in "protected areas." The policy establishes that, to the greatest extent possible, arrests, interviews, searches, or surveillance operations should be avoided in places where such action would deter people from accessing essential services or participating in essential activities, such as exercising the right to vote.
4. Lack of jurisdiction ICE is an immigration enforcement agency. It has no role, authority, or jurisdiction to enforce election laws. The security and administration of polling places are the exclusive responsibility of state and local election officials, in coordination with local law enforcement.
What happens if this occurs? If voters or election officials witness the presence of ICE agents or other armed federal agents attempting to interfere at a polling place, states have the authority to file emergency lawsuits in federal courts to obtain a court order immediately halting these actions.
Additionally, voters who face this type of situation or any attempt at intimidation can report it immediately to local election officials or contact the nonpartisan election hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Original text
La respuesta corta es no. Por lo general, es ilegal que los agentes del Servicio de Control de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) o cualquier otro agente federal armado ingresen o sean desplegados en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones en los Estados Unidos.
Esto se debe a una combinación de leyes federales, políticas del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) y los límites de la jurisdicción de estas agencias:
1. Leyes federales contra agentes armados en los centros de votación La ley federal de los EE. UU. (específicamente el Título 18, Código de los EE. UU., § 592) prohíbe explícitamente el despliegue de "tropas u hombres armados" en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección. El Departamento de Justicia ha interpretado históricamente que esta ley —que se remonta a 1865— se aplica a los agentes federales armados (como los agentes de ICE, del FBI o los marshals), ya que están obligados a llevar sus armas reglamentarias mientras están de servicio. La única excepción legal es si se necesitan para "rechazar a los enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos".
2. Leyes contra la intimidación de votantes Múltiples leyes federales y estatales (como el Título 18, §§ 593, 594, 241, 242 y el Título 52, § 10102) prohíben estrictamente la intimidación de los votantes o la interferencia con su derecho al voto. La presencia de agentes de inmigración armados en o cerca de un centro de votación puede considerarse legalmente como una táctica de intimidación, lo cual es un delito federal y estatal, independientemente de la intención del agente.
3. Políticas del DHS sobre "Áreas Protegidas" El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), la agencia a la que pertenece ICE, tiene directrices que limitan las acciones de aplicación de la ley en "áreas protegidas". La política establece que, en la mayor medida posible, se debe evitar realizar arrestos, entrevistas, registros u operaciones de vigilancia en lugares donde la acción disuadiría a las personas de acceder a servicios esenciales o participar en actividades esenciales, como es el ejercicio del voto.
4. Falta de jurisdicción ICE es una agencia encargada de hacer cumplir las leyes de inmigración. No tiene ninguna función, autoridad ni jurisdicción para hacer cumplir las leyes electorales. La seguridad y la administración de los centros de votación son responsabilidad exclusiva de los funcionarios electorales estatales y locales, en coordinación con las fuerzas del orden público locales.
¿Qué ocurre si esto sucede? Si los votantes o los funcionarios electorales presencian la presencia de agentes de ICE u otros agentes federales armados intentando interferir en un centro de votación, los estados tienen la facultad de presentar demandas de emergencia en los tribunales federales para obtener una orden judicial que detenga estas acciones de inmediato.
Además, los votantes que enfrenten este tipo de situaciones o cualquier intento de intimidación pueden reportarlo inmediatamente a los funcionarios electorales locales o comunicarse con la línea de ayuda electoral no partidista al 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Spanish — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - U.S.C. Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - 18 USC 592: Troops at polls - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal | Brennan Center for Justice - 18 U.S. Code § 592 - Troops at polls - Law.Cornell.Edu - ICE at Polling Places — Federal Legal Framework - Protections For Elections
English translation
Generally speaking, it is not legal for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to enter, patrol, or station themselves at polling places on Election Day in the United States. Doing so would violate several federal and state laws.
Below is the detailed legal framework supporting this prohibition:
1. Federal "Troops at the Polls" Law (18 U.S.C. § 592) This federal law explicitly prohibits any person serving in "civil, military, or naval" service of the United States from bringing or stationing "troops or armed men" at any place where an election is being held. The only exception contemplated by the law is if the force is strictly necessary to "repel armed enemies of the United States."
Given that ICE agents are civilian federal employees (belonging to the Department of Homeland Security) and carry firearms as standard equipment, their presence at a polling place would directly fit the prohibition of this law. Violating it is a federal crime carrying fines and up to five years in prison.
2. Prohibition of Voter Intimidation (Voting Rights Act) Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) prohibits any person, acting under color of law or not, from intimidating, threatening, or coercing another person for the purpose of interfering with their right to vote. Legal experts establish that the presence of armed federal agents at or near polling places has an inherent intimidating effect on voters, which is illegal under this statute.
3. Department of Justice (DOJ) Policies The U.S. Department of Justice's own election crimes manual confirms that the law (18 U.S.C. § 592) applies to armed federal agents. The DOJ states that any action involving an intrusion by federal investigators into the area immediately adjacent to an open polling place requires special approval from the Public Integrity Section, and not for conducting routine law enforcement operations.
4. State and Local Jurisdiction U.S. elections are administered at the state and local levels. State laws also protect polling places against interference by unauthorized law enforcement forces. Polling place security is the exclusive responsibility of local election officials in coordination with state or local police, not federal agencies like ICE, which have no jurisdiction or role in enforcing election laws.
In summary: There is no legal basis for ICE agents to conduct immigration operations or show up at polling places on Election Day. If they were to do so, they would be committing a federal crime and violating voter protection laws.
(Note: The only exception would be if an ICE agent, as a private citizen, goes to their assigned polling place while off duty solely to exercise their own right to vote, but not in their official capacity, uniformed or armed to conduct operations).
Original text
En términos generales, no es legal que los agentes del Servicio de Control de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) entren, patrullen o se estacionen en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones en los Estados Unidos. Hacerlo violaría varias leyes federales y estatales.
A continuación, se detalla el marco legal que respalda esta prohibición:
1. Ley Federal "Tropas en las urnas" (18 U.S.C. § 592) Esta ley federal prohíbe explícitamente que cualquier persona que preste servicios "civiles, militares o navales" para los Estados Unidos lleve o estacione "tropas u hombres armados" en cualquier lugar donde se celebre una elección. La única excepción que contempla la ley es si la fuerza es estrictamente necesaria para "rechazar a los enemigos armados de los Estados Unidos".
Dado que los agentes de ICE son empleados federales civiles (pertenecen al Departamento de Seguridad Nacional) y portan armas de fuego como equipo estándar, su presencia en un centro de votación encajaría directamente en la prohibición de esta ley. Violarla es un delito federal que conlleva multas y hasta cinco años de prisión.
2. Prohibición de Intimidación a los Votantes (Ley de Derecho al Voto) La Sección 11(b) de la Ley de Derecho al Voto (52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) prohíbe que cualquier persona, actuando bajo color de la ley o no, intimide, amenace o coaccione a otra persona con el fin de influir en su derecho a votar. Los expertos legales establecen que la presencia de agentes federales armados en o cerca de los centros de votación tiene un efecto intimidatorio inherente sobre los votantes, lo cual es ilegal bajo esta estatuta.
3. Políticas del Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) El propio manual de delitos electorales del Departamento de Justicia de los EE. UU. confirma que la ley (18 U.S.C. § 592) se aplica a los agentes federales armados. El DOJ establece que cualquier acción que involucre una intrusión de investigadores federales en el área inmediatamente adyacente a un centro de votación abierto requiere una aprobación especial por parte de la Sección de Integridad Pública, y no para realizar operaciones de aplicación de la ley rutinarias.
4. Jurisdicción Estatal y Local Las elecciones en EE. UU. son administradas a nivel estatal y local. Las leyes estatales también protegen los centros de votación contra la interferencia de fuerzas del orden no autorizadas. La seguridad de los centros de votación es responsabilidad exclusiva de los funcionarios electorales locales en coordinación con la policía estatal o local, no de agencias federales como ICE, las cuales no tienen jurisdicción ni rol en la aplicación de las leyes electorales.
En resumen: No existe ninguna base legal para que los agentes de ICE realicen operaciones de inmigración o se presenten en los centros de votación el día de las elecciones. Si lo hicieran, estarían cometiendo un delito federal y violando las leyes de protección al votante.
(Nota: La única excepción sería si un agente de ICE, como ciudadano particular, acude a su centro de votación asignado fuera de servicio únicamente para ejercer su propio derecho al voto, pero no en su capacidad oficial, uniformado o armado para realizar operaciones).
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Report Polling Places - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Federal Agents at the Polls - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal | Brennan Center for Justice - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls - Federal Agents at the Polls - ICE at Polling Places — Federal Legal Framework - Protections For Elections
English translation
Short Answer: No, it is illegal
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents cannot lawfully enter polling places on U.S. Election Day. This is expressly prohibited by a number of federal and state laws.
Key Federal Laws
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18 U.S.C. § 592 — prohibits any federal officials (including armed civilian agency personnel) from deploying "troops or armed men" at any place where an election is being held. The only exception is repelling an armed attack by foreign enemies of the U.S. Violations are punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 5 years, as well as disqualification from holding any federal office.
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18 U.S.C. § 593 — prohibits military personnel from interfering in elections.
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18 U.S.C. § 595 (Hatch Act) — prohibits civilian federal employees from using their official authority to influence federal elections.
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52 U.S.C. § 20511 — makes it a crime to intimidate voters or individuals assisting others in voting.
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18 U.S.C. § 241 — prohibits conspiracy to threaten or intimidate any person in the exercise of their constitutional rights, including the right to vote.
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Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Section 11(b), 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) — prohibits intimidation, threats, or coercion against voters. To prove a violation, it is sufficient to show that the actions had an intimidating effect — intent does not need to be proven.
Why This Specifically Applies to ICE
- ICE is an armed federal law enforcement agency. Its agents fall under the definition of "armed men in civil service" under § 592.
- ICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has no jurisdiction over the enforcement of election laws.
- ICE has no legal grounds to be at or near polling places.
State Laws
Some states have gone even further: - Rhode Island and Virginia explicitly prohibit federal immigration agents from being at or near polling places. - Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania have their own bans on deploying troops or armed agents at polling sites. - Virtually all states criminalize voter intimidation.
What Voters Can Do
If ICE agents do appear at or near a polling place: - Voters, election workers, and volunteers can file for an injunction in federal court based on the Voting Rights Act. - State and local prosecutors can initiate criminal proceedings, since the commission of a federal crime cannot be considered the performance of official duties.
Original text
Краткий ответ: Нет, это незаконно
Агенты ICE (Службы по иммиграционному и таможенному контролю) не могут на законных основаниях входить на избирательные участки в день выборов в США. Это прямо запрещено рядом федеральных и штатных законов.
Ключевые федеральные законы
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18 U.S.C. § 592 — запрещает любым должностным лицам федеральной службы (включая вооружённых сотрудников гражданских ведомств) размещать «войска или вооружённых людей» в любом месте, где проводятся выборы. Единственное исключение — отражение вооружённого нападения иностранных врагов США. Нарушение карается штрафом и/или лишением свободы до 5 лет, а также дисквалификацией от занимания любые федеральные должности.
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18 U.S.C. § 593 — запрещает военнослужащим вмешиваться в выборы.
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18 U.S.C. § 595 (Закон Хэтча) — запрещает гражданским федеральным служащим использовать своё должностное положение для влияния на федеральные выборы.
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52 U.S.C. § 20511 — делает уголовно наказуемым запугивание избирателей или лиц, помогающих другим голосовать.
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18 U.S.C. § 241 — запрещает сговор с целью угрозы или запугивания любого лица в осуществлении его конституционных прав, включая право голоса.
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Закон об избирательных правах 1965 года (Section 11(b), 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b)) — запрещает запугивание, угрозы или принуждение в отношении избирателей. Для доказательства нарушения достаточно показать, что действия имели эффект запугивания — намерение доказывать не нужно.
Почему это касается именно ICE
- ICE — вооружённое федеральное правоохранительное ведомство. Его агенты подпадают под определение «вооружённых людей на гражданской службе» по § 592.
- ICE входит в состав Министерства внутренней безопасности, которое не имеет никаких полномочий по обеспечению соблюдения избирательного законодательства.
- У ICE нет законных оснований находиться на избирательных участках или вблизи них.
Законы штатов
Некоторые штаты пошли ещё дальше: - Род-Айленд и Вирджиния прямо запрещают агентам федеральных иммиграционных служб находиться на избирательных участках или вблизи них. - Коннектикут, Делавэр, Миссисипи, Нью-Мексико и Пенсильвания имеют собственные запреты на размещение войск или вооружённых агентов на участках. - Практически все штаты криминализируют запугивание избирателей.
Что могут сделать избиратели
Если агенты ICE всё же появятся на участке или рядом с ним: - Избиратели, члены избирательных комиссий и волонтёры могут обратиться в федеральный суд с требованием вынести судебный запрет на основании Закона об избирательных правах. - Прокуратуры штатов и местные прокуроры могут возбудить уголовное дело, поскольку совершение федерального преступления не может считаться исполнением служебных обязанностей.
Russian — answer round 2
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places | Brennan Center for Justice - Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal - Brennan Center for ... - Federal Agents at the Polls - American Civil Liberties Union - ICE at Polling Places — Federal Legal Framework - Protections ... - Preventing Voter Intimidation by Federal Agents at the Polls
English translation
No, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents cannot lawfully enter polling places on election day in the United States. This is expressly prohibited by federal law:
Main Legal Prohibitions:
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18 U.S.C. § 592 — a federal law enacted in 1865, prohibits the deployment of armed personnel of the civil service of the United States (including federal law enforcement agents, such as ICE) at polling places. Violating this law is a criminal offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
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Voting Rights Act of 1965 — prohibits voter intimidation. The presence of armed ICE agents at polling places may be classified as intimidation.
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State Laws — every state has its own laws prohibiting voter intimidation and the carrying of weapons at polling places.
The Only Exception: Section § 592 permits the presence of armed forces only if it is necessary to repel "armed enemies of the United States" — meaning only in the event of a military attack by a hostile foreign power on polling places.
Legal Consequences: Anyone who intimidates voters through the presence of armed agents can be subject to criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Voters and election workers can apply to a federal court for an injunction against such actions.
These laws were enacted to protect electoral freedom and prevent the abuse of executive power.
Original text
Нет, агенты ICE (Иммиграционной и таможенной полиции) не могут законно входить на избирательные участки в день выборов в США. Это прямо запрещено федеральным законодательством:
Основные правовые запреты:
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18 U.S.C. § 592 — федеральный закон, принятый в 1865 году, запрещает размещение вооруженных лиц гражданской службы США (включая федеральных правоохранительных агентов, таких как ICE) на избирательных участках. Нарушение этого закона является уголовным преступлением, наказуемым до 5 лет тюремного заключения.
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Закон о праве голоса 1965 года (Voting Rights Act) — запрещает запугивание избирателей. Присутствие вооруженных агентов ICE на избирательных участках может квалифицироваться как запугивание.
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Законы штатов — каждый штат имеет собственные законы, запрещающие запугивание избирателей и ношение оружия на избирательных участках.
Единственное исключение: Закон § 592 допускает присутствие вооруженных сил только в случае, если это необходимо для отражения "вооруженных врагов Соединенных Штатов" — то есть только при военной атаке со стороны враждебной иностранной силы на избирательные участки.
Правовые последствия: Любой, кто запугивает избирателей присутствием вооруженных агентов, может быть привлечен к уголовной ответственности и гражданским искам. Избиратели и избирательные работники могут обратиться в федеральный суд для получения судебного запрета против таких действий.
Эти законы были приняты для защиты свободы выборов и предотвращения злоупотребления исполнительной властью.
Grok 4.6
Repeated check: one answer round only. The report shows answer round 1.
English — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
English translation
No, ICE agents generally cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in an official capacity. Federal law prohibits armed federal personnel, including ICE agents (who are typically armed while on duty), from being stationed at or operating in places where elections are held. This applies to polling places, and legal analyses extend it to related sites like vote-counting facilities.[1]
The key statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592, a Civil War-era law that makes it a felony (punishable by up to five years in prison, fines, and disqualification from federal office) for any person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States to order, bring, keep, or have under their control “any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held,” unless necessary to “repel armed enemies of the United States.” ICE agents fall under the “civil service” category as federal law enforcement. The exception is extremely narrow and does not cover immigration enforcement, serving warrants, crowd control, or general monitoring.[2]
The Department of Justice has long interpreted this (and related laws) to bar FBI agents from conducting investigations inside polling places on Election Day and to prohibit stationing armed U.S. Marshals at open polls. A 2024 DOJ memo explicitly warned federal agencies that sending armed personnel to operational polling places for crowd control or similar purposes would violate the statute. Exceptions include federal personnel voting in a personal capacity or responding after a polling place has ceased operations due to a genuine emergency (e.g., an active shooter). Serving an immigration warrant during voting hours would not qualify.[3]
Related federal laws further prohibit this: - 18 U.S.C. § 595 bars federal employees from using official authority to interfere with elections. - Voter intimidation statutes (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 594 and Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act) make it illegal for anyone, including federal agents, to intimidate, threaten, or coerce voters. The mere presence of armed ICE agents could reasonably be seen as intimidating, especially in communities with mixed immigration status.[2]
ICE has no role in election administration or enforcement of voting laws—that is handled by states and, for federal civil rights issues, the DOJ Civil Rights Division (whose monitors are unarmed observers, not armed agents). DHS officials have stated there are “no plans” for ICE operations targeting polling locations and that suggestions of ICE presence are “disinformation,” though some comments have left open the possibility of entering for a “specific threat” or to serve a warrant. Legal experts and voting rights groups argue even those scenarios would still violate § 592.[4]
State laws add extra restrictions. Several states (including Connecticut, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia) explicitly prohibit ICE or federal immigration agents from entering or remaining near polling places (often within 100–200 feet). Other states ban armed agents or troops more broadly. Local election officials typically control access, and law enforcement (even local) is often restricted except in emergencies or if the officer is voting.[5]
An ICE agent who is a U.S. citizen and eligible voter may enter a polling place to vote, just like any other citizen. They cannot do so in uniform or while conducting official duties.
If ICE agents appeared at a polling place, voters or election officials could report it immediately to local election authorities, contact voter protection hotlines (such as 866-OUR-VOTE), or seek emergency court orders. Presence that intimidates voters could lead to lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act. Election officials coordinate with local (not federal immigration) law enforcement for security.
Original text
No, ICE agents generally cannot legally enter polling places on Election Day in an official capacity. Federal law prohibits armed federal personnel, including ICE agents (who are typically armed while on duty), from being stationed at or operating in places where elections are held. This applies to polling places, and legal analyses extend it to related sites like vote-counting facilities.[1]
The key statute is 18 U.S.C. § 592, a Civil War-era law that makes it a felony (punishable by up to five years in prison, fines, and disqualification from federal office) for any person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States to order, bring, keep, or have under their control “any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held,” unless necessary to “repel armed enemies of the United States.” ICE agents fall under the “civil service” category as federal law enforcement. The exception is extremely narrow and does not cover immigration enforcement, serving warrants, crowd control, or general monitoring.[2]
The Department of Justice has long interpreted this (and related laws) to bar FBI agents from conducting investigations inside polling places on Election Day and to prohibit stationing armed U.S. Marshals at open polls. A 2024 DOJ memo explicitly warned federal agencies that sending armed personnel to operational polling places for crowd control or similar purposes would violate the statute. Exceptions include federal personnel voting in a personal capacity or responding after a polling place has ceased operations due to a genuine emergency (e.g., an active shooter). Serving an immigration warrant during voting hours would not qualify.[3]
Related federal laws further prohibit this: - 18 U.S.C. § 595 bars federal employees from using official authority to interfere with elections. - Voter intimidation statutes (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 594 and Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act) make it illegal for anyone, including federal agents, to intimidate, threaten, or coerce voters. The mere presence of armed ICE agents could reasonably be seen as intimidating, especially in communities with mixed immigration status.[2]
ICE has no role in election administration or enforcement of voting laws—that is handled by states and, for federal civil rights issues, the DOJ Civil Rights Division (whose monitors are unarmed observers, not armed agents). DHS officials have stated there are “no plans” for ICE operations targeting polling locations and that suggestions of ICE presence are “disinformation,” though some comments have left open the possibility of entering for a “specific threat” or to serve a warrant. Legal experts and voting rights groups argue even those scenarios would still violate § 592.[4]
State laws add extra restrictions. Several states (including Connecticut, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia) explicitly prohibit ICE or federal immigration agents from entering or remaining near polling places (often within 100–200 feet). Other states ban armed agents or troops more broadly. Local election officials typically control access, and law enforcement (even local) is often restricted except in emergencies or if the officer is voting.[5]
An ICE agent who is a U.S. citizen and eligible voter may enter a polling place to vote, just like any other citizen. They cannot do so in uniform or while conducting official duties.
If ICE agents appeared at a polling place, voters or election officials could report it immediately to local election authorities, contact voter protection hotlines (such as 866-OUR-VOTE), or seek emergency court orders. Presence that intimidates voters could lead to lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act. Election officials coordinate with local (not federal immigration) law enforcement for security.
Spanish — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
English translation
No, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents cannot legally enter polling places generally on Election Day in the United States. This is primarily due to an updated 1865 federal law that explicitly prohibits the presence of federal "troops or armed men" in places where an election is being held.[1]
The key federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 592 This provision establishes that any officer of the Army, Navy, or other person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States who orders, brings, keeps, or has under his control troops or armed men at a place where a general or special election is held (unless necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States) commits a federal crime. The punishment includes up to 5 years in prison, a fine, and disqualification from holding federal office.[2]
ICE agents are federal civil service officers and typically go armed in the performance of their duties, which brings them under this prohibition. The Department of Justice has historically interpreted this law similarly for FBI agents and U.S. marshals (they cannot investigate or station themselves armed inside polling places on Election Day). The exception is very narrow: only to repel an armed attack by foreign enemies, not for routine immigration operations, serving arrest warrants, or "monitoring" voters.[3]
Other federal laws reinforce this: - Prohibition of election interference by federal employees (18 U.S.C. § 595). - Prohibition of intimidation, threats, or coercion against voters (18 U.S.C. § 594 and Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965). The mere presence of armed ICE agents near or inside a polling place can constitute unlawful intimidation, especially in immigrant or Latino communities.[4]
Access to polling places Polling places are not open public spaces. Entry is permitted only to voters, poll workers, accredited observers, and, in some cases, local police if there is a specific emergency (such as an imminent disturbance). Police or federal agents do not typically station themselves inside, barring very limited exceptions (for example, if the agent is voting themselves, or if the location is in a public safety building).[5]
Some states have additional laws that specifically prohibit ICE or immigration agents from entering or approaching polling places (for example, Connecticut, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia, with distances of 200 feet or 500 yards). Other states prohibit federal troops or armed agents.[6]
Current position of ICE/DHS and exceptions The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly stated that it does not plan operations directed at polling places and that any suggestion of an ICE presence is "disinformation." However, some officials have left open the possibility of entering if there is a "threat" to the location or to serve an arrest warrant on someone they are tracking. This conflicts with 18 U.S.C. § 592 and has generated lawsuits from civil rights groups (such as LULAC, UnidosUS, and Common Cause) arguing that it would be a federal crime.[7]
ICE's policy on "protected areas" (sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, or places of worship) has changed and is now based more on discretion and "common sense," without explicitly listing polling places. Even so, federal criminal law applies regardless of ICE's internal policies.[8]
In summary, entering or stationing oneself armed at a polling place on Election Day violates federal law and could be considered voter intimidation. If it were to happen, voters, poll workers, or state officials could report it, seek court orders, or sue. Elections are administered by the states, not by federal immigration agencies. If you have specific questions about a state, consult local laws or resources such as the Brennan Center or the ACLU.
Original text
No, los agentes del ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) no pueden entrar legalmente de forma general en los centros de votación (polling places) el día de las elecciones en Estados Unidos. Esto se debe principalmente a una ley federal de 1865 (actualizada) que prohíbe explícitamente la presencia de “tropas o hombres armados” federales en lugares donde se celebra una elección.[1]
La ley federal clave: 18 U.S.C. § 592 Esta disposición establece que cualquier oficial del Ejército, la Marina u otra persona en el servicio civil, militar o naval de Estados Unidos que ordene, lleve, mantenga o tenga bajo su control tropas o hombres armados en un lugar donde se celebra una elección general o especial (salvo que sea necesario para rechazar enemigos armados de Estados Unidos) comete un delito federal. El castigo incluye hasta 5 años de prisión, multa y descalificación para cargos federales.[2]
Los agentes del ICE son oficiales federales del servicio civil y suelen ir armados en el desempeño de sus funciones, por lo que entran en esta prohibición. El Departamento de Justicia ha interpretado históricamente esta ley de manera similar para agentes del FBI y marshals estadounidenses (no pueden investigar o estacionarse armados dentro de los colegios electorales el día de las elecciones). La excepción es muy estrecha: solo para rechazar un ataque armado de enemigos extranjeros, no para operaciones de inmigración rutinarias, servir órdenes de arresto o “monitorear” votantes.[3]
Otras leyes federales refuerzan esto: - Prohibición de interferencia en elecciones por empleados federales (18 U.S.C. § 595). - Prohibición de intimidación, amenazas o coerción a votantes (18 U.S.C. § 594 y Sección 11(b) de la Ley de Derechos de Voto de 1965). La mera presencia de agentes armados del ICE cerca o dentro de un centro de votación puede constituir intimidación ilegal, especialmente en comunidades inmigrantes o latinas.[4]
Acceso a los centros de votación Los centros de votación no son espacios públicos abiertos. Solo se permite la entrada a votantes, trabajadores electorales, observadores acreditados y, en algunos casos, policía local si hay una emergencia específica (como un disturbio inminente). La policía o agentes federales no suelen estacionarse dentro, salvo excepciones muy limitadas (por ejemplo, si el propio agente está votando, o si el local está en un edificio de seguridad pública).[5]
Algunos estados tienen leyes adicionales que prohíben específicamente a agentes de ICE o inmigración entrar o acercarse a centros de votación (por ejemplo, Connecticut, Nuevo México, Rhode Island y Virginia, con distancias de 200 pies o 500 yardas). Otros estados prohíben tropas o agentes armados federales.[6]
Posición actual de ICE/DHS y excepciones El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) ha declarado públicamente que no planea operaciones dirigidas a centros de votación y que cualquier sugerencia de presencia de ICE es “desinformación”. Sin embargo, algunos funcionarios han dejado abierta la posibilidad de entrar si hay una “amenaza” al local o para servir una orden de arresto a alguien que están rastreando. Esto entra en conflicto con 18 U.S.C. § 592 y ha generado demandas de grupos de derechos civiles (como LULAC, UnidosUS y Common Cause) argumentando que sería un delito federal.[7]
La política de ICE sobre “áreas protegidas” (lugares sensibles como escuelas, hospitales o lugares de culto) ha cambiado y ahora se basa más en discreción y “sentido común”, sin listar explícitamente los centros de votación. Aun así, la ley penal federal aplica independientemente de las políticas internas de ICE.[8]
En resumen, entrar o estacionarse armados en un centro de votación el día de las elecciones viola la ley federal y podría considerarse intimidación al votante. Si ocurriera, los votantes, trabajadores electorales o funcionarios estatales podrían denunciar, buscar órdenes judiciales o demandar. Las elecciones son administradas por los estados, no por agencias federales de inmigración. Si tienes dudas específicas sobre un estado, consulta las leyes locales o recursos como el Brennan Center o ACLU.
Russian — answer round 1
Web access: Used — OpenRouter search
Pages the model opened: - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6
English translation
No, in general, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents cannot lawfully enter polling places on US Election Day for the purpose of law enforcement, patrolling, or "maintaining order." This is explicitly prohibited by federal criminal law and may also qualify as voter intimidation.[1]
The key federal law is 18 U.S.C. § 592 ("Troops at polls"). It states that any person in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States (including ICE agents as federal civilian employees) who orders, brings, keeps, or controls "troops or armed men" at any place where a general or special election is held, commits a crime (fines, up to 5 years in prison, and disqualification from federal office). The exception is extremely narrow: only if force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States (effectively, a foreign invasion). The law has been in effect since 1865 (the Reconstruction era) and specifically protects free elections from federal interference.[2]
ICE agents are typically armed, so their presence at a polling station falls under the prohibition. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has historically interpreted this law strictly: even FBI agents or U.S. Marshals cannot conduct investigations inside open polling places on Election Day, and armed federal forces should not be present there. The DOJ has issued warnings to agents not to respond with weapons even to false reports of threats at polling places.[3]
Additionally: - Voter intimidation is prohibited by 18 U.S.C. § 594, Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, and state laws. The presence of armed ICE agents (especially in immigrant communities) can in itself be considered intimidation, even if they are standing outside. ICE has no election authority whatsoever—that is the responsibility of state and local authorities.[4] - Some states (Connecticut, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and others) have additional bans on the presence of ICE agents or federal immigration forces near polling places (often within a 200–500 yard radius).[5]
Narrow exceptions: - An agent is voting personally (like any citizen). - Extremely rare cases of a genuine emergency (e.g., an active armed shooter), but even then, local police take priority, and federal law remains strict.
Official ICE/DHS statements generally confirm that the agency has no plans for operations at polling places and has no role there. Presence for "serving a warrant" or "threats" still violates § 592 according to most legal experts (Brennan Center, ACLU, etc.).[6]
If ICE agents appear at a polling place, voters and poll workers can report it to local election officials, call the Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE), or contact legal aid. The right to vote without intimidation is protected by the Constitution and federal laws.
Original text
Нет, в общем случае агенты ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) не могут на законных основаниях входить на избирательные участки в день выборов в США с целью правоприменения, патрулирования или «обеспечения порядка». Это прямо запрещено федеральным уголовным законом, а также может квалифицироваться как запугивание избирателей.[1]
Ключевой федеральный закон — 18 U.S.C. § 592 («Troops at polls»). Он гласит, что любой человек на гражданской, военной или военно-морской службе США (включая агентов ICE как федеральных гражданских служащих), который приказывает, приводит, держит или контролирует «войска или вооружённых людей» в любом месте, где проводятся всеобщие или специальные выборы, совершает преступление (штраф, до 5 лет тюрьмы и дисквалификация с федеральных должностей). Исключение крайне узкое: только если сила необходима для отражения вооружённых врагов США (фактически — иностранное вторжение). Закон действует с 1865 года (эпоха Реконструкции) и специально защищает свободные выборы от федерального вмешательства.[2]
Агенты ICE обычно вооружены, поэтому их присутствие на участке подпадает под запрет. Министерство юстиции США (DOJ) исторически интерпретирует этот закон строго: даже агенты ФБР или маршалы не могут проводить расследования внутри открытых участков в день выборов, а вооружённые федеральные силы не должны там находиться. DOJ выпускал предупреждения агентам не реагировать вооружёнными даже на ложные сообщения о угрозах на участках.[3]
Дополнительно: - Запугивание избирателей запрещено 18 U.S.C. § 594, разделом 11(b) Закона о избирательных правах (Voting Rights Act) и законами штатов. Присутствие вооружённых агентов ICE (особенно в сообществах иммигрантов) может само по себе считаться запугиванием, даже если они стоят снаружи. ICE не имеет никаких полномочий по выборам — это компетенция штатов и местных властей.[4] - Некоторые штаты (Коннектикут, Нью-Мексико, Род-Айленд, Вирджиния и др.) имеют дополнительные запреты на присутствие агентов ICE или федеральных иммиграционных сил вблизи участков (часто в радиусе 200–500 ярдов).[5]
Узкие исключения: - Агент лично голосует (как любой гражданин). - Крайне редкие случаи реальной чрезвычайной ситуации (например, активный вооружённый нападающий), но даже тогда приоритет у местной полиции, а федеральный закон остаётся строгим.
Официальные заявления ICE/DHS обычно подтверждают, что агентство не планирует операции на участках и не имеет там роли. Присутствие для «служения ордера» или «угрозы» всё равно нарушает § 592 по мнению большинства правовых экспертов (Brennan Center, ACLU и др.).[6]
Если агенты ICE появятся на участке, избиратели и работники могут сообщить местным чиновникам по выборам, позвонить на горячую линию защиты выборов (866-OUR-VOTE) или обратиться в суд. Право голосовать без запугивания защищено Конституцией и федеральными законами.
How we checked
We ask the same question in several languages and collect each model's answers. Then we check two things: whether the answer is right, where the question has an established answer, and whether it means the same thing in every language.
We call each model directly through an API, not through its chat app. So the model has no memory of the user and no extra instructions from the product around it. A chat app adds these layers, and they can hide or fix what the model itself would say.
Web access. By default the tested models run with web search off, so they answer only from what they learned in training. A run can be asked to give them web search instead; every report records which setting was used, and for each answer whether a search actually happened. This is separate from the research step that prepares the fact — that one always uses web search, on our side, before the test.
Settings. We ask for a low, steady setting (temperature 0.1) so answers vary as little as possible. Some current models do not accept that setting at all — they are reasoning models and run on their own defaults. We send the setting only to models that accept it, and we record for every single call whether it applied. We do not claim a setting was used when it was not.
What we look for. Two separate things.
First, is the answer right? Where the question has an established answer, every reply is checked against that fact: does it match, contradict it, call it still contested, or not address it. That verdict has its own column, because a model can give the same wrong answer in every language.
Second, is the answer the same in every language? Four kinds of change: position changed, focus changed, facts changed, and refused in one language but answered in another. Only the last three, at Level 2 or above, count as a finding.
- Level 0 — Same answer: the main meaning is the same.
- Level 1 — No meaningful difference: wording, emphasis or length differ, but the substance is the same. We do not treat this as a finding.
- Level 2 — Meaning changed: an important claim, fact, or conclusion changes.
- Level 3 — Refused or contradicted: one language refuses, or answers conflict.
Risk level comes from the highest level found: None / Low / Medium / High. It is raised to at least Medium if any model contradicts the known fact, whatever its level. Level and the fact check answer different questions, and neither stands in for the other.
Answer length. Each answer gets a normal budget first. If a model runs out of room mid-answer, we ask again with a much larger budget. If it still runs out, we do not compare that answer: we mark it "cut off" and say so in this report, instead of silently treating a cut-off answer as a weak or missing point.
Repeats. Every question is asked once per model per language to start with. Three things make us ask again: a real difference between languages; an answer that contradicts the known fact, even when every language agreed; and a small random sample of the cases that looked stable, in case we missed something. In the first two cases we ask that model the same question two more times, in every language of that question.
One answer round means asking the model once in every tested language. Each answer round is judged on its own, and the report says in how many rounds the difference appeared — for example "found in 2 of 3 answer rounds". We never write plain "stable" without that count. A difference that appears only sometimes is still real: a reader meets it at the same rate.
Cost limit. Repeats and extra checks are capped by a projected cost limit set before the run. Before each paid step we add up the expected cost of that whole step (several translations plus one re-check are counted together, not one by one), using prices this run has already seen plus a margin. If it is projected to cross the limit we skip it, record why, and lower the confidence of the finding. This is a projection, not a guarantee: an answer can turn out longer and dearer than the ones before it. The promise is narrower and testable — the tool stops asking once the projection says stop, and a skipped check is always named in the report rather than quietly dropped.
Second opinion. Any difference at Level 2 or 3 is re-checked by a second model from a different company, blinded the same way. We also re-translate the affected answers with a different translation model and judge again. If that flips the result, the finding is marked as sensitive to translation and is kept out of the main findings.
Translation check. Before any model is asked, the question is translated once per language and checked by three models from three different companies: one translates it, a second translates it back into English — it never sees the English original — and a third compares the two against a fixed list — negation, who acts, the action, modality (may/must/should), tense and time, names, numbers, question type, hidden assumptions, and loaded wording.
If wording drifted, we translate that language again, once. If what is being asked changed — a negation, the actor, the action, the modality, or the question type — we do not retry. That language is not measured, and it is listed in "Missing answers". No person is asked to check by hand. Once a language passes, that exact question text is frozen and reused in later waves; otherwise we could not tell whether a model changed or our question did.
This check finds risk. It does not prove a translation is correct. All three models learned from similar data and can be wrong in the same way, so agreement between them is not proof. Disagreement is the reliable signal.
Known facts. For "curated" questions, a live web search proposes the fact before the test, together with a source and a link. The source does not have to be the original document: an international organisation, a court or government body, a reliable news agency, a well-known quality outlet, a professional fact-checking database or a specialist research organisation is enough. We then try to open that page. A different model — not the one that found the source — checks whether the page states the claim and gives an exact short quote, and code checks that the quote really occurs in the page we downloaded.
Four outcomes. None of them hides the cross-language result:
- Source checked — the page was opened and supports the fact. Factual accuracy is rated normally.
- Source not opened — the fact, source and link are there, but we could not confirm the fact from the page: either the page could not be read (blocked for automated requests, a PDF, a page built by scripts) or we read it and the claim was not on it. Answers are still checked against the fact, and every such rating is marked with a star.
- Source conflict — the page says something incompatible with the fact. We do not decide who is right, so factual accuracy is not rated at all.
- Source missing — no usable fact and source were found. Factual accuracy is not rated.
Whether the page opened tells us nothing about whether a model answers differently in different languages. Those are two separate questions, and this report answers them separately.
Limits
- This audit covers one question and the models listed above.
- Answers may change when the same question is asked again.
- Translation and automated checks can miss details.