The Department of Homeland Security has told state election officials it has no plans to send ICE agents to polling places for the 2026 election. Federal law also makes it a crime to station armed federal officers at the polls or to intimidate voters. If you are a U.S. citizen and registered to vote, you have the right to vote, and poll workers will not ask about your immigration status.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Early voting: October 19 to 30 · Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
What has the government said about ICE at polling places?
On February 26, 2026, a senior Department of Homeland Security official told state election officials: "There will be no ICE presence at polling locations for this election." DHS has repeated since then that it has no plans to deploy immigration officers to polling places. Officials have noted that officers could still act in specific situations, such as serving a warrant, so it helps to know your rights.
What does the law say?
- Armed federal officers at the polls: federal law makes it a crime for federal officials to station troops or armed men at a polling place (18 U.S.C. § 592).
- Voter intimidation: it is a federal crime to intimidate, threaten or coerce anyone to interfere with their right to vote (18 U.S.C. § 594).
- Inside a Texas polling place: state law limits who can be inside. Law enforcement may be present only as a special peace officer appointed by the presiding election judge to keep order.
Will poll workers ask about my citizenship or immigration status?
No. When you vote in person in Texas, poll workers check that you are on the voter list and that you have an acceptable ID. You confirmed your citizenship when you registered. You do not need to bring a passport, green card or naturalization papers unless you are using one as your photo ID. A U.S. Citizenship Certificate counts as an approved ID.
What should I do if I see agents near my polling place?
- 1Stay calm and keep going. If you are in line, stay in line. If you are in line when polls close at 7 pm, you can still vote.
- 2Tell the presiding election judge inside the polling place. They are responsible for keeping order.
- 3Write down what you see if it is safe: the time, location, number of people, uniforms or badges.
- 4Call Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE, or 888-API-VOTE for help in South Asian languages.
Know your rights
- Stay calm. Do not run or argue.
- Ask: “Am I free to leave?” If they say yes, walk away calmly.
- You can stay silent. Say: “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”
- Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Never carry or show false documents.
Tips for voting with peace of mind
- Vote early (October 19 to 30). Lines are usually shorter and you have more locations to choose from.
- Go with family or friends. It's more comfortable, and you can look out for each other.
- Bring your approved ID so the process is quick.
- Save the hotline numbers in your phone before you go.
- Check your registration and polling place in our Civic Center
Frequently asked questions
Will ICE be at polling places in Texas in 2026?
The Department of Homeland Security has said it has no plans to send ICE agents to polling places for the 2026 election, and federal law prohibits stationing armed federal officers at the polls.
Do I have to answer questions about my immigration status to vote?
No. Poll workers check that you are registered and that you have an acceptable ID. They do not ask about immigration status.
Can I vote if I'm a naturalized citizen?
Yes. Naturalized citizens who are registered have the same right to vote as any other citizen. Your U.S. Citizenship Certificate even counts as photo ID.
Is voter intimidation illegal?
Yes. It is a federal crime to intimidate, threaten or coerce anyone to interfere with their right to vote. Report it to the presiding election judge and to Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE.
Who should I call if I feel intimidated at the polls?
Tell the presiding election judge inside the polling place, then call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE, or 888-API-VOTE for help in Hindi, Bengali, Urdu and other Asian languages.
This post is general voter information from SAAVETX EF, a nonpartisan organization, and is not legal advice. If you have questions about your own immigration situation, talk to a licensed immigration attorney.