NAACP Sues to Block Armed Federal Agents From Polling Places
The NAACP and allied civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit seeking to bar the Trump administration from deploying armed agents at polling sites ahead of November's midterms. The suit names DHS, ICE, DOJ, the FBI and top officials, arguing armed agents intimidate voters.
The NAACP filed suit Friday alongside the National Urban League, the American Federation of Teachers and other groups to block the Trump administration from sending armed agents to U.S. polling places, according to The Hill. The complaint argues that statements and actions by administration officials have made voters afraid to appear at polls, help others vote, or serve as election volunteers.
FBI Director Kash Patel told senators this week the bureau would follow the law but could send agents if there were a violation of the law at a polling site. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin made a similar claim during his confirmation hearing, saying officers would only be present in response to a specific threat.
The plaintiffs argue that armed federal law enforcement at polling places could expose voters to physical violence, surveillance and harassment during the electoral process, per the report.