Concerns Raised as Immigration Agents Seen Near Florida Polling Locations

Florida election officials have reported sightings of federal immigration agents near early voting sites, prompting two county election supervisors to contact the FBI over possible voter intimidation ahead of the midterm elections on November 3.

On Monday, two vehicles from U.S. Customs and Border Protection were observed outside the Northeast Branch Library in Tallahassee, which serves as Leon County’s busiest early-voting location. According to Mark Earley, the county Supervisor of Elections, the vehicles were present for about ten minutes. Despite no direct complaints from voters, Earley filed a formal complaint with the FBI, emphasizing that voters should never face intimidation while casting their ballots.

The following day, video emerged of federal agents at the entrance of the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, where they conducted a vehicle stop. Sherri Hodies, Monroe County Supervisor of Elections, reported that the Border Patrol was attempting to pull over a suspect who had turned into the center. She noted that the incident is under investigation and has also been reported to the FBI.

Voters have expressed fear during phone calls to Hodies, indicating a troubling environment surrounding the voting process. Federal law restricts the presence of armed personnel at polling places, except in very limited circumstances. Officials had previously received assurances from federal authorities that immigration enforcement would not be present at polling locations.

As early voting proceeds statewide, with over 1.6 million votes already cast, the situation raises significant concerns as residents prepare to vote for various offices, including the governor and U.S. Senate.