Steve Bannon, the former White House strategist and right-wing podcaster, has reignited fears of voter intimidation by calling for immigration agents to be stationed at polling places during the upcoming US midterm elections. Speaking on his War Room show, Bannon declared: 'You’re damn right we’re gonna have ICE surround the polls come November.'
Although Bannon holds no official government position, he remains an influential figure on the far right and maintains close ties with the Trump administration. His comments come amid growing concerns from election officials across the country about potential interference from federal authorities in the voting process.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly made baseless claims that undocumented immigrants are brought to the US to vote illegally, alleging that this has handed victories to Democrats. He has suggested that the federal government should 'take over the voting' despite elections being constitutionally run by state and local jurisdictions.
The prospect of immigration agents near polling stations is widely regarded by election administrators as a form of voter intimidation, potentially deterring US citizens and legal residents from casting ballots due to fears of detention or racial profiling. Legal restrictions often limit law enforcement presence at polling sites.
Trump has attempted to impose stricter voting requirements through an executive order demanding proof of citizenship, though courts have blocked most of its provisions. The Department of Justice has also sought access to voter rolls in several states, prompting pushback from officials citing privacy and security concerns. In Minnesota, Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded that the state turn over its voter rolls as a condition for reducing the presence of federal agents.
Bannon doubled down on his rhetoric, vowing: 'Let’s put you on notice again: ICE is going to be around the polls in the 2026 midterm elections.' He accused Democrats of using social welfare programmes to keep the poor dependent.
