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Civil rights groups sue to block federal agents from polling sites
A coalition of nine civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and the Service Employees International Union, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The suit seeks to block the Trump administration from deploying armed federal agents to polling locations during the upcoming midterm elections.
The plaintiffs argue that the administration’s actions and rhetoric violate Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voter intimidation and coercion. The lawsuit contends that the presence of federal agents creates a climate of fear that specifically targets and deters voters of color, immigrants, and naturalized citizens from participating in the democratic process.
While Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE is not planning operations targeting polling sites, he noted that agents could still be present to serve warrants or respond to active public safety threats. Additionally, FBI Director Kash Patel has not ruled out the possibility of FBI agents being present at polling locations.
Entities
Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · FBI · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Kash Patel · Markwayne Mullin · NAACP · Service Employees International Union · Trump administration
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] contends that deploying federal agents at voting locations can deter citizens from legally voting freerepublic.com · arcodelsur.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the deployment of federal agents at polling sites freerepublic.com · arcodelsur.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] accuses the Trump administration of violating Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act 1053rnb.com · 92q.com · kissrichmond.com · majicatl.com · mycolumbusmagic.com · +4 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] stated that ICE is not patrolling polling places unless there is a threat or a warrant is being served freerepublic.com · www.kpbs.org · arcodelsur.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] refused to rule out the possibility of FBI agents being present at polling locations during a congressional hearing www.kpbs.org · entrelineas.com.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] said ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations, though they may act if an active public safety threat endangers a site www.kpbs.org