DENVER — Colorado Secretary of State says the Department of Homeland Security has remained silent on whether or not it plans to have immigration enforcement agents show up at polling places during the 2026 election cycle.
On Thursday, Griswold said that DHS has still not responded to a letter sent earlier this month by nine secretaries of state, including herself, requesting written confirmation of the presence of immigration enforcement during this year's election.
This request was prompted by earlier verbal assurances from DHS officials and former Secretary Kristi Noem that ICE would not be deployed to voting locations.
In a statement, Griswold emphasized that voters must be free from intimidation.
“Immigration officials must not be used to intimidate voters. Americans have the right to vote free from intimidation and harassment. As Secretary of State, I will always fight to ensure every Colorado voter can have their voice heard in our elections," Griswold said.
The letter, underscoring a joint concern among states, was signed by election officials from Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
At the same time, in state legislative action, HBl 26-1113—which Griswold says will further strengthen election protections—passed the State, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee in the Colorado Senate on Thursday.
This bill's progress coincides with federal developments, including a Justice Department lawsuit against Colorado and several other states for refusing to turn over sensitive voter roll data after the FBI raided an elections office in Georgia.
These events have caused a rift between the Trump administration and state secretaries across the country.
Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right, listening, lending a helping hand and following through on promises. See that work in action, in the videos above.
