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Denver and civil rights groups sue to block ICE agents at polling sites
The city of Denver, along with several civil rights organizations including LULAC, UnidosUS, and Common Cause, has filed a lawsuit in a Washington, D.C. federal court to block the deployment of armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at polling locations.
The litigation targets Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting ICE Director David Venturella. Plaintiffs argue that allowing federal agents to serve immigration warrants at voting sites violates a Civil War-era law that restricts armed federal personnel from being present at elections unless necessary to repel armed enemies.
While Secretary Mullin has stated that ICE is not patrolling polling places but may respond to specific threats or serve warrants, the plaintiffs contend this policy creates a chilling effect that intimidates voters, particularly within Latino communities. They argue such actions disrupt the local administration of elections and turn polling places into spaces of confrontation.
Entities
City of Denver · David Venturella · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · League of United Latin American Citizens · Markwayne Mullin · Mike Johnston · UnidosUS
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The lawsuit argues the presence of armed agents violates a Civil War-era federal law prohibiting armed forces at polling locations. dominicanaaldia.com · www.mundonow.com · justthenews.com · newrepublic.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated ICE agents may go to polling places to respond to specific threats or to serve warrants. dominicanaaldia.com · www.mundonow.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · justthenews.com · newrepublic.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Plaintiffs claim the presence of federal agents interferes with the smooth administration of local elections. justthenews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit contends that the presence of armed agents could intimidate voters and discourage participation. dominicanaaldia.com · www.mundonow.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Denver and civil rights groups filed a lawsuit to prevent armed ICE agents from serving warrants at polling locations. dominicanaaldia.com · www.mundonow.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · justthenews.com · newrepublic.com