Rhode Island Bans ICE Agents From Polling Places

Rhode Island lawmakers have enacted a law barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from operating near the state's polling locations.

The General Assembly adjourned its regular session on June 11, and Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, signed the measure into law.

Two companion bills, H7434 and S3339, form the core of the new restriction. They prohibit ICE employees, agents, or officials from entering or remaining within 200 feet of any polling place, including during early voting and on Election Day, except when present to vote in compliance with the law.

The legislation cleared both chambers with mostly Democratic support. The House passed H7434 by a vote of 58 to 13 on June 10, with three Democrats and 10 Republicans voting against. The Senate passed the bill 31 to 7 on June 11, with three Democrats and four Republicans opposed. S3339 passed the Senate on June 9 and the House on June 11.

Rhode Island is not acting alone. The state is now one of six Democrat-led states this year to restrict immigration,  law enforcement presence near election sites, part of a broader wave of similar bills introduced in more than half a dozen states nationwide.

The restrictions come despite direct assurances from the Trump administration that no such enforcement was ever planned. On a call with election officials nationwide, a Department of Homeland Security  (DHS) official said "any suggestion that ICE is going to be present at polling places is simply disinformation." Both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state on that call confirmed the administration committed to keeping ICE agents away from polling places in 2026.

The restriction takes effect as McKee campaigns for a second full term, facing a primary challenge from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes ahead of the state's September primary and the November general election.