Chicago ramps up Election Day security amid ICE concerns
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Chicago election officials are coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to protect voters from potential disruptions at the polls on Election Day.
Why it matters: The preparations come amid heightened concerns about federal immigration enforcement near polling places and the possibility of voter intimidation.
The latest: The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners tells Axios it has coordinated security plans with Chicago police, the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the FBI, state election officials and prosecutors.
- The board says it will respond to incidents through law enforcement partnerships or by going to court to enforce laws protecting voters.
Context: Federal and Illinois laws prohibit voter intimidation and interference within designated campaign-free zones around polling places.
Meanwhile: Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Wednesday that a coalition of Chicago civil rights organizations is mobilizing trained lawyers, poll monitors and volunteers to also help protect voters.
- The groups will monitor polling places, document potential violations, assist voters and connect people with legal assistance.
- The coalition includes the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, the League of Women Voters of Chicago and several other organizations.
What they're saying: "The right to vote belongs to the people, and no one should be able to take that right away through fear, intimidation, or interference," Johnson said in a statement.
The intrigue: The Justice Department said in a federal court filing Wednesday that ICE and FBI personnel won't serve as election monitors during Tuesday's midterms. However, employees from other federal law enforcement agencies could participate.
- DOJ said the monitors, who could include personnel from the DEA, ATF and Federal Bureau of Prisons, won't carry firearms, enforce laws or interfere with voting.
- About 1,000 federal monitors are expected nationwide, including up to 12 in neighboring Lake County, Indiana.
What's unclear: The Justice Department hasn't publicly identified which Chicago polling locations, if any, will receive federal monitors. A complete deployment list isn't expected until Election Day.
Flashback: Election security concerns extend beyond polling places. The Board of Elections says it has been in contact with the FBI and city emergency management officials about recent mail incidents.
- After a suspicious envelope was reported at the Illinois State Board of Elections' Chicago office earlier this month, the city board provided masks and gloves to employees handling incoming mail and began following additional federal safety guidance.
What to do: If voters encounter issues with ICE agents or other federal law enforcement officers at their polling place, civil rights groups recommend staying calm, avoiding confrontation and notifying an election judge.
- Document the incident, including the time, location and identifying details of the officers.
- Report suspected intimidation or interference to the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
- If you're stopped by federal agents, you can ask if you're free to leave and exercise your right to remain silent.