California Democrats, seemingly eager to shield their sanctuary state from federal immigration enforcement, have introduced legislation that would effectively create a no-ICE zone around polling places ahead of the critical 2026 midterms.
There's also the very crucial race for governor of California coming up in 2026. Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton consistently rank first or second in the latest polling.
The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Tom Umberg (D) and co-authored by Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, is being pitched as a defense against supposed voter intimidation from the Trump administration's ICE crackdown.
Which voters would that be? Which "voters" would be targeted by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) immigration enforcement efforts? A true mystery.
“Our state is facing serious threats from the Trump administration, and we will not treat them as idle or hypothetical,” Umberg said. “California has both the constitutional right and responsibility to run our own safe and secure elections, and we intend to do exactly that.”
The measure, according to Politico, is "designed to block any interference from ICE officers at the polls in November."
You'd think the people you want blocked from the midterm polls would be criminal illegal aliens, not law enforcement.
Never forget when Gavin Newsom said the quiet part out loud, admitting that illegal aliens vote.
— Lance Gooden (@Lancegooden) February 10, 2026
“Do you think ICE is not gonna show up around voting and polling booths to chill participation?"
This is why Democrats are against the SAVE America Act. pic.twitter.com/iDjs2HS3Mr
READ MORE: Why Are Democrats Trying to Protect Illegals at Polling Places? GOP Senator Demands Answers
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The bill, introduced late Thursday, will also conveniently empower counties to open voting early, add more ballot drop boxes, and even extend polling hours if immigration agents are deemed to have interfered.
Wait, what? Suppose an ICE agent approaches an illegal alien near a polling place. The first thought for Democrats is to make sure that person and those around them ... have more time to vote?
Amazing.
This effort by Golden State Democrats echoes national leaders such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who have been demanding that taxpayer dollars not be used for immigration enforcement operations near "sensitive locations," including polling places.
Critics see this push for what it is: a blatant preemptive move to insulate non-citizen turnout in the midterms, securing Democratic advantages at the ballot box. It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots—when your party is rushing to block actual law enforcement near the very places votes are cast, then it's clear they're protecting potential illegal votes.
Republican Rep. Jason Smith (MO-8) asked and answered his own rhetorical question on the matter during a recent appearance on CNBC.
“Why should you ban ICE from being at polling places? Because illegals aren’t supposed to vote in this America," he said.
Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) correctly calls out Democrat politicians who don’t want ICE at polling places.
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 12, 2026
If illegals aren’t voting, as Democrats claim, then why do Democrats care if ICE is at polling places?
It’s because Democrats know illegals are voting.pic.twitter.com/Ezvnr3NAbx
“We’re not going to sit here and allow you to steal the country again. And you can whine and cry and throw your toys out of the pram all you want, but we will never again allow an election to be stolen,” Smith added.
But the toy-throwing might work in California. This bill blocking ICE from polling places could easily pass the Democratic-controlled state legislature and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
Those responsible need to answer a very simple question: Why do illegal aliens need special protection at polling places?
Just admit what is happening here.
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