New York reminds voters that ICE agents cannot enter polling places on Election Day
New York.— New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded voters that state and federal laws prohibit the presence of military troops and armed federal agents, including officers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at polling places, on this Tuesday, November 3, Election Day.
Under the federal law cited by the attorney general, it is a crime to order, bring or keep armed troops or federal agents at a polling place, including ICE agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents. Nor may anyone use a badge, a weapon or a threat to stop an eligible person from voting.
New York law adds another layer of protection: local governments and their employees may not allow immigration enforcement agents to access a polling place to enforce immigration laws unless they present a valid judicial warrant.
“No New Yorker eligible to vote should stay home on Election Day out of fear,” James said in her statement, urging voters to report any act of intimidation or interference through her office's election protection hotline, by calling (866) 390-2992 or visiting electionhotline.ag.ny.gov.
The reminder comes on a day of historic turnout: New York State recorded nearly one million early votes cast, a figure that nearly doubles that of previous elections, driven both by electoral enthusiasm and by fear of possible immigration operations, according to reports on Tuesday.
The attorney general's office also noted that Department of Justice observers may not demand identification, challenge voters, direct or interfere with poll workers, or campaign. Polls in New York remain open this Tuesday until 9:00 p.m.
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