HARRISBURG, PA — A group of Democratic state lawmakers is advancing legislation that would prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from monitoring polling places during Pennsylvania’s 2026 midterm elections, framing the measure as a defense of voter rights and state authority.
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, was joined by colleagues as they unveiled the proposal, which would bar federal immigration agents from being stationed at or near polling locations.
“Pennsylvania must continue to have free and fair elections without federal intervention or intimidation,” Kenyatta said. “The U.S. Constitution is crystal clear that states — not the federal government — are responsible for administering elections. Federal agents standing menacingly while people cast their ballots is the antithesis of free and fair elections.”
Kenyatta added, “I’m not new to standing up for fair elections in Pennsylvania, and with this legislation, I continue that work.”
Under current Pennsylvania law, on-duty police officers are prohibited from being within 100 feet of a polling place unless responding to a specific incident. The proposed legislation would extend similar restrictions to federal immigration authorities.
State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, a co-sponsor, said the measure is intended to safeguard voters from perceived intimidation.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. Every eligible Pennsylvanian must be able to vote without fear or intimidation,” Hanbidge said. “Our history shows how the presence of armed authorities at polling places has been used to suppress participation and silence communities.”
She added, “Deploying federal immigration agents to polling locations under the banner of ‘election integrity’ is not protection — it is intimidation and unconstitutional federal overreach. Pennsylvania has the authority to run its elections, and true election integrity means safeguarding voters’ rights, not threatening them.”
State Rep. Chris Pielli, another co-sponsor, accused federal officials of attempting to overstep constitutional boundaries.
“President Trump and his allies have clearly stated that they intend to ‘nationalize’ our elections,” Pielli said. “Both our national and state constitutions are clear that we control our own elections. As such, we will not allow intimidation of our voters or suppression of our free and fair elections by federal authorities seeking to overturn the will of the people and our democracy.”
Kenyatta further argued that ICE’s presence at polling sites could deter participation.
“We have seen firsthand the lengths ICE has gone to target people based on their ethnicity. The presence of federal agents at polling places is nothing short of voter intimidation, and eligible voters have the right to vote proudly and without fear,” he said.
State Rep. Perry Warren, also a co-sponsor, said constituents have raised concerns about potential interference.
“We are getting calls from constituents asking whether they will be safe and free from intimidation when voting in person this year,” Warren said. “This bill would ensure that Pennsylvanians are not intimidated or blocked by federal agents from exercising their constitutional right to vote at their polling place.”
The proposal now heads into the legislative process, where it is expected to draw debate over federal authority, election security and the balance of power between state and national governments.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.