Arizona Senate Floats Plan to Station ICE Agents at Every Poll
The measure was introduced by Republican Senator Jake Hoffman of Queen Creek as an amendment to Senate Bill 1570. If enacted, it would compel all 15 Arizona counties to enter formal agreements with ICE, ensuring a federal immigration enforcement presence at every location where ballots are cast or dropped off, the Arizona Mirror reported Tuesday.
The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee is expected to take up the proposal this week during the final round of committee hearings.
Hoffman defended the legislation as a safeguard for electoral integrity. He said the intent is "to deter violations before they happen, ensure existing laws are followed, and protect the rights of every lawful voter." He added: "Just as importantly, the legislation makes clear that voting cannot be disrupted and that no one may be targeted simply for participating in an election. When voters see the rules applied fairly and consistently, confidence in the outcome follows."
Opponents, however, paint a starkly different picture — warning that a uniformed federal immigration enforcement presence at polling sites could deter eligible voters from casting ballots, particularly in a state where nearly half the population is nonwhite. Their concerns carry legal weight as well: federal law broadly prohibits troops or armed federal officers from being stationed at polling locations, with a narrow exception to "repel armed enemies of the United States."
The proposal also arrives without a clear evidentiary basis. Arizona already enforces some of the country's strictest voting requirements, mandating proof of citizenship to register and photo identification at the polls — yet there is no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting, the Arizona Mirror noted.
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