The Dictatorship
Trump is threatening to send ICE to polling places. Officials like me won’t let him.
ByCisco Aguilar
As the midterms approach, election officials across the country are preparing for a dangerous possibility: the deployment of immigration agents and other federal law enforcement officials to America’s polls.
Any stationing of federal law enforcement at polling sites is a heavy-handed attempt to intimidate voters. It runs counter to our founding principles, including that all of us are created equal, and that promise is fulfilled at the ballot box. When we cast our ballots, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you believe in or the amount of money in your bank account. They all count the same — one person, one vote.
As Nevada’s secretary of state, it is my duty to defend the constitutional rights of every eligible voter. That responsibility does not belong to one ideology or group of people — it belongs to all of us. Unfortunately, a growing number of elected officials disagree.
If voters are afraid to vote, many will stay home, and that is exactly what anti-democratic officials want.
The challenge we now face is anti-democratic forces running amok. President Trump and his anti-democracy allies seek to weaken our democracy to improve their chances of winning elections. They have repeatedly suggested deploying ICE agents to voting locations for that purpose — to sow discord and confusion. Whether or not these deployments occur, the mere suggestion is enough to create fear, chaos and doubt. This is particularly true in states like Nevada that were built by, and continue to grow because of, the contributions of immigrants.
Democracy only works when voters feel safe enough to participate. If voters are afraid to vote, many will stay home, and that is exactly what anti-democratic officials want. Rather than answer to the people, these extremists seek to pick and choose their voters.
I, along with my fellow pro-democracy secretaries of state, refuse to let this happen. The Constitution clearly bestows state and local authorities with the sole right to administer elections. Any attempts by the federal government to blur those lines are illegal, full stop.
States like Nevada have fought back against the Justice Department’s sweeping, illegal demands for private voter data, and we have won. My fellow pro-democracy secretaries of state and I will continue to take opponents to court and win cases because we are on the right side of the law.
We will continue to serve on the front lines to keep our elections free and secure, especially as the foes of democracy seek to weaken our elections.
The law is clear: Sending federal immigration enforcement to the polls is illegal. If that happens, we’ll be ready.
But while we pro-democracy secretaries of state will continue to protect elections and serve the people, it’s important to underscore that elections are run by public servants and volunteers around the country. These people, of every political affiliation, care deeply about ensuring that their neighbors, family and friends have a voice in our democracy.
Americans deserve leaders who reinforce public trust, rather than those who peddle in rhetoric and policies that stoke fear.
County clerks and poll workers have endured years of threats, harassment and political attacks simply for doing their jobs. Contrary to what some in power want you to believe, these are not partisan hacks looking to put their thumb on the scale. They are your mothers and grandfathers, brothers and sisters, neighbors and community members.
Americans deserve leaders who reinforce public trust, rather than those who peddle in rhetoric and policies that stoke fear.
For generations, our nation has recognized the importance of protecting voters from coercion. Our polling places are sacred civic spaces where Americans fulfill the hallowed promise of self government. They are not forums for political theater and gross attacks.
To every voter feeling afraid right now, know that you are not alone. We have power when we stand together. And if your neighbor is scared to go to the polls, offer to go with them. If you can contribute as a poll worker, please sign up to be one. A familiar face at a polling location can make all the difference for someone who feels like those in power want to silence them as they exercise their rights.
Every eligible American deserves to know that they can cast a ballot safely, securely, and without fear. That principle transcends politics, and so long as my fellow pro-democracy Secretaries of State and I are in office, we will continue to administer free, fair, and secure elections on your behalf.
Cisco Aguilar
Francisco “Cisco” Aguilar was elected as Nevada secretary of state in 2022. He also serves as the chair for the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State (DASS). Secretary Aguilar is the founding chairman of Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School, serving students in one of Las Vegas’ most vulnerable neighborhoods.