The City of Denver, alongside several Latino civil rights organizations and government watchdog groups, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prohibit the deployment of armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at polling locations. The suit, lodged Thursday in a Washington, D.C., federal court, challenges a Trump administration policy allegedly allowing federal immigration agents to serve warrants and enforce civil immigration laws at election sites.
The plaintiffs contend that the presence of armed federal agents at polling places impedes the administration of elections and undermines voters’ ability to participate freely and safely. According to the lawsuit, such actions disrupt voting processes and create confrontational environments that hinder local election officials and law enforcement. The suit names Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and David Venturella, acting head of ICE, as officials responsible for permitting the practice.
This case represents the first legal challenge against the administration over the presence of armed federal agents at polling sites. The lawsuit references several instances reported by civil rights groups since spring, describing encounters that fall short of the legal standard permitting military or armed forces at election sites—which applies only if such force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States.
Among the examples cited is a May incident in San Antonio where armed agents reportedly entered the parking lot of an active polling place to detain an individual in view of voters until local law enforcement intervened. Another instance noted involved ICE agents entering a Syracuse, New York, polling site in June to question an election volunteer regarding a social media post unrelated to voting activities.
City and county officials in Denver emphasized that the area’s substantial immigrant population makes it particularly vulnerable to ICE enforcement actions, potentially deterring voter turnout and causing anxiety among election workers and volunteers. In response, local election officials have prepared training sessions for staff on identifying plainclothes federal agents, recording their presence, and managing interactions to reduce tension.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston criticized the federal approach, asserting his city would vigorously oppose the placement of ICE agents near polling locations. The Denver clerk and recorder, Paul López, underscored the constitutional protections for voting rights and expressed concern about the chilling effect on civic participation.
The coalition behind the lawsuit includes Common Cause, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and UnidosUS. These organizations report that recent ICE activities at polling sites have already disrupted voter registration campaigns and canvassing efforts. Resources have been redirected from voter mobilization to establishing rapid-response safety networks and providing “Vote Safe from ICE” materials and de-escalation training.
In public statements, leaders of these groups framed the federal actions as voter suppression rather than immigration enforcement. Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS, described the deployment of officers at polling locations as “voter suppression, plain and simple.” LULAC CEO Juan Proaño characterized the moves as attempts by the administration to weaken democratic institutions it is supposed to safeguard.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not issued immediate responses to the lawsuit. However, Secretary Mullin previously dismissed concerns as fear-mongering, stating federal agents would only be present at polling places if there was a direct threat or a warrant to serve. The Trump administration has repeatedly denied plans to deploy armed agents or troops widely at election sites, though it has not categorically ruled out their presence in some circumstances ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.