California bill would block immigration agents near polling sites

[RandySF]

SACRAMENTO, California — Two California lawmakers introduced legislation late Thursday that would ban federal immigration enforcement outside polling places, the latest maneuver in the state’s ongoing battles with the Trump administration over both immigration and elections administration.

The proposal comes after the Trump administration this month declined to rule out the possibility of deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents near polling sites during the midterm elections.

State Sen. Tom Umberg said the measure is designed to block any interference from ICE officers at the polls in November. It follows the lead of Democratic senators in Washington, including California Sen. Adam Schiff, who have raised alarms over the possibility.

“Our state is facing serious threats from the Trump administration, and we will not treat them as idle or hypothetical,” Umberg said in a prepared statement. “California has both the constitutional right and responsibility to run our own safe and secure elections, and we intend to do exactly that.”


https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/20/california-bill-would-block-immigration-agents-near-polling-sites-00790490

[Lovie777]

1. Count me in!..........................

[byronius]

2. Proud of California Democrats.

Tough and smart.

[IcyPeas]

3. But what will they do if agents show up anyway?

[quaint]

4. They'll get really angry?

[LogDog75]

5. I used to be a Poll Inspector in California

In San Diego County, a Poll Inspector is the person responsible for setting up/tearing down and running the polling site during an election. During our training, we are reminded that if there are any problem with anyone we're to dial 911 for the police. All the local police departments prioritize any call to a polling site. Fortunately, I never had to call 911 during my 10 years of being a Poll Inspector but if I couldn't handle the situation I would've had no problems calling 911.

I told the poll workers whom I supervised if they couldn't handle a situation to let me know and I'd deal with it. I'm not afraid to stand up to anyone trying to bully or intimidate me.