Steve Bannon calls for immigration agents at polling sites during midterms

Steve Bannon has urged immigration agents to be stationed at polling sites during this year's midterms, sparking fears of potential voter intimidation. The far-right strategist, who served as a White House advisor under Donald Trump, made the proposal on his podcast, suggesting that immigration officials would "surround the polls" in November.

Bannon's comments echo Trump's own claims that undocumented immigrants are voting in large numbers and swaying elections to their favor. However, these assertions have been repeatedly debunked by election officials and fact-checkers.

The move has alarmed election officials nationwide, who worry about the potential for immigration agents to intimidate voters or deter them from casting ballots. Law enforcement presence at polling stations can be intimidating and is often seen as a negative factor in voter turnout.

Immigration agents have already caused concern among some communities, with many people – including U.S. citizens and legal residents – staying home on election day due to fear of detention or racial profiling.

Bannon's remarks come as the Trump administration continues to push for stricter voting laws and more control over elections. The president has proposed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship to vote, although courts have blocked much of this provision from taking effect.

In Minnesota, where thousands of ICE agents have been deployed in recent months, state officials are resisting federal demands to turn over voter rolls. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is suing several states over access to these rolls, citing concerns about privacy and security.

Bannon's threats against election safety have sparked widespread condemnation from voting rights advocates and other experts. "This is a clear attempt to intimidate voters and suppress participation in the democratic process," said one voting rights activist.

The proposal has also raised questions about Bannon's influence over Trump's policies and his role as a far-right strategist. While he lacks formal power, his ties to the Trump administration and the Republican Party make him an influential voice on the right edge of American politics.

omg can u believe this?? steve bannon is proposing that immigration agents be stationed at polling sites during the midterms like what even is this?! it's just a clear attempt to intimidate voters and suppress participation in the democratic process, you know? i mean, we already have enough issues with voter suppression and gerrymandering, do we really need to worry about immigration officials showing up at our polling stations too? not to mention, all these claims about undocumented immigrants voting are just false flag stuff... like, come on. Bannon's influence over trump's policies is already a big deal, but this takes it to a whole new level. i'm just so worried about the impact this could have on our democracy...

OMG, this is so scary ! I can totally imagine how intimidating it would be for people to see immigration agents at polling sites. It's like, hello, we're trying to exercise our right to vote here! Not that anyone should ever have to fear voting because of their immigration status.

I'm worried about the communities that already feel targeted and marginalized - they don't need more reasons to stay home on election day. It's already hard enough for people to get out and participate in the process when they're feeling anxious or uncertain about their place in the country.

This feels like a huge power grab by the Trump administration, and it's so not okay . We need to protect our democracy and ensure that every single person has an equal chance to make their voice heard. Let's stand together and demand better !

man this is like such a messed up situation ... steve bannon wants immigration agents at polling sites? that's just not right you know? it's like he's trying to create some kind of fear vibe or something and honestly it's pretty sad when people are so scared they won't even vote because of some fake concerns about immigration.

and can we talk about the whole voter intimidation thing for a sec? it's like, our democracy is supposed to be based on free and fair elections where everyone has an equal say... but if you're gonna have cops or immigration agents showing up at polling sites that's just not right. it's intimidating and it's scary.

and what's really wild is that this stuff is happening right now because of some dude named steve bannon who was a white house advisor under trump... like, how did we even get to this point? how did we let things go so far?

lolol what was i saying? oh yeah so u know how we just had that new starbucks menu launch and i tried their newest cold brew thingy last week it was pretty meh idk if its worth getting all hyped about... anyway back to this midterm election stuff. can u believe ppl still think voting by undocumented immigrants is a thing? i mean come on, dont @ me but seriously have u ever noticed how easy its to get lost in the woods just outside our city like im pretty sure i took a wrong turn last weekend and ended up at this random trail that led to a lake ... anyway point is election integrity is kinda important and not being taken lightly right now

OMG, this is so messed up! Steve Bannon is basically saying that immigration agents should be policing voting booths, which is a total red flag . Like, what's next? Having cops stand guard at food banks to "ensure" people aren't getting free stuff? This is just another example of how the right wing is trying to restrict voting rights and keep certain groups from having a say in our democracy . The fact that election officials are already worried about immigration agents intimidating voters or making them feel unwelcome at polling stations is, like, super concerning . And can we talk about how Trump's whole "voter fraud" thing has been debunked time and time again? It's just a waste of resources and a clear attempt to undermine trust in the electoral process . We need to keep pushing back against these attempts to suppress voting rights and ensure that everyone has access to the ballot box .

I'm literally freaking out about this ... Can't believe what's happening in our democracy . Like, Steve Bannon is basically suggesting that we need immigration agents at polling sites? That's just too much . I mean, I get it, he thinks there's some kind of voter fraud going on, but have you seen the evidence? It's all debunked and nothing to see here .

And what's even more disturbing is that this is coming from someone who's been pushing for stricter voting laws and control over elections. Like, what's next? We'll just be sitting at home not voting because of immigration agents at the door . It's just so unfair .

I'm all about free speech and open discussion, but this is just getting out of hand . Voting rights advocates are right to be outraged and I'm right there with them . We need to stand up for our democracy and make sure everyone's voice is heard . This can't be allowed to happen .

omg what is steve bannon even thinking lol i mean i get it he's trying to scare people but come on this is usa not russia and those voter turnout numbers are like totally debunked by now anyway i think it's so messed up that election officials have to deal with all this drama just trying to let ppl vote in peace i swear if immigration agents show up at polling stations or start asking for ID's like 5 mins before voting hours it's gonna be super discouraging and alot of ppl might stay home because of it sadly we need more transparency and less fear-mongering about this whole thing

This whole thing is just another example of how our democracy relies on us being vigilant about protecting it from those who would seek to undermine its integrity. I mean, think about it - if immigration agents are showing up at polling sites, that's not just intimidating voters, but also making them feel like they're not safe in their own country? It's a slippery slope when you start using the fear of deportation or detention as a tool to control people's behavior.

And let's be real, who do we think is really behind this push for stricter voting laws and more control over elections? It's not about protecting our borders, it's about maintaining power. And once that power is compromised, where does it end? We need to stay awake and engaged in this process, because if we're not careful, our voices will be silenced by those who would seek to silence us.

It's time for us to stand up for what's right and demand better from our elected officials.

omg have you tried those new avocado toast restaurants downtown? like i know some people say they're overrated but i swear their bread is fire anyway back to this steve bannon guy... i think he's just trying to stir up drama and attention because let's be real, his whole career has been about being a provocateur. and honestly, it's getting old. like can't we all just get along? or in this case, vote without worrying about ICE agents lurking around the polling station

I'm really worried about what's going on with our voting system in this country. It seems like they're trying to make it harder for people to vote just because of their background or immigration status . The thought of immigration agents at polling sites, especially if they're not even supposed to be there, is super intimidating . And it's not just about the intimidation factor – having law enforcement presence can actually deter people from voting altogether.

I mean, what's next? Are they going to start checking everyone's papers before we can cast our ballots? It's already scary enough when you're worried about getting detained or profiled, but if there are armed agents at the polls... it's just too much. We need to make sure that voting is accessible and safe for everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status .

The fact that Bannon's comments have sparked such widespread condemnation from experts and advocates just goes to show how ridiculous these claims are . We need to focus on making sure every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote without fear of persecution or intimidation. That's what democracy is all about!

idk why ppl are making such a big deal about this lol? like, what's the worst that could happen - some immigration agents hang around polling sites? but honestly dont think its gonna affect voter turnout in a major way. and btw whats the diff between having immigration agents at polls and having cops? both can be intimidating if u ask me

I'm literally freaking out thinking about this... Bannon's idea is just so messed up! Can you imagine showing up to vote and seeing immigration agents standing there? It's like, what even is the point of voting if I know I'll be detained for not being a US citizen?

And it's not just that. These "thousands of ICE agents" in Minnesota are already freaking out people... I mean, some people might be undocumented but they're still human beings! We need to protect our right to vote and make sure everyone can participate in democracy.

The fact that Trump is pushing for stricter voting laws and proof of citizenship requirements is just a no-brainer for suppression. It's like, who do they think they're kidding? This proposal by Bannon is just another example of how politics has become so twisted and partisan...

omg what a scary idea immigration agents at polling sites?! i dont think thats fair or good for voter turnout at all... i mean like we gotta be able to vote without being afraid of being deported or anything its so not right that people are actually staying home on election day because theyre worried about getting caught in the crossfire. ugh... and whats with the proof of citizenship thing?! thats just another way to make voting harder for normal ppl who are already feeling left behind anyway i guess bannon just wants to stir up trouble like he always does... cant we all just get along and vote peacefully

I mean, can't believe some people think immigration agents should be at polling sites... that's just not right. It's like they're trying to scare voters into not showing up . And honestly, who needs proof of citizenship to vote? That sounds like a bunch of extra hoops to jump through .

And what's with the "undocumented immigrants are voting" thing? Come on, we've been over that a million times... it's just not true . I mean, can't people just focus on actual issues instead of spreading misinformation?

I'm all for making sure everyone follows the rules and gets their ID in order, but this feels like a whole different level of voter suppression . What's next? Showing up at your kid's school to make sure they're voting? Get real, folks!