DOJ Says It Won't Deploy FBI, ICE Agents as Poll Monitors
Summary
The Justice Department told a federal court that FBI and ICE agents will not serve as election monitors during the 2026 general election. It said monitors will observe polling places and follow past practices, including training and limits on their duties and appearance.Key Facts
- The DOJ filed its declaration on October 28 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
- The filing was submitted in a lawsuit by the NAACP over a Freedom of Information Act request.
- The DOJ said monitors may observe polling places, take notes and speak with willing voters after they vote.
- The department said monitors will receive training on federal and local law and may not carry firearms or display federal attire.
- The filing said monitors will include employees from the Bureau of Prisons, ATF and DEA, and one Customs and Border Protection employee.
- The DOJ said monitors may perform only routine Civil Rights Division monitoring duties.
- The filing followed two incidents involving federal agents near early voting sites in Florida; one prompted a complaint to the FBI.
- Federal law generally bars armed federal personnel from polling places, with an exception for repelling armed enemies of the United States.
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