Early voting surges as ICE ramps up enforcement near midterms

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased operations in several states ahead of the November midterm elections, according to local reports and a review of recent activity by NPR and its member stations. The surge has prompted a rise in early voting, particularly in communities frequently targeted by the agency.

In Dover, New Jersey, Councilwoman Sandra Wittner received messages on Wednesday morning that a dozen or more agents were gathering outside a Walgreens. Neighbors throughout north New Jersey reported a similar spike in activity over the following hours. Wittner noted that the uncertainty created a sense of apprehension and fear, though it remained unclear who was detained or where.

The department has not publicly shared timely information on its operations, making real-time reporting difficult. When asked about a recent surge, the agency responded that its agents uphold immigration laws in all 50 states, seven days a week, and 24 hours a day.

Troy Brynelson, a reporter for Oregon Public Broadcasting, said ICE activity has picked up in Portland, particularly in commercial areas. He described the increase as a noticeable uptick compared to summer levels. Similar reports of enforcement surges have come from rural Illinois, Detroit, and California throughout October.

In New York City, an official within Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office confirmed that staff have noted a surge in activity since the summer. A volunteer who documents operations in the city said her group has seen numerous large-scale actions, which she calls cluster raids, where multiple agents move from one location to the next in quick succession.

Wendy Weiser of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School said the administration's tactics appear designed to intimidate voters. Despite this, she noted that early turnout is surging, particularly in minority communities. She stated that there is no indication the raids are affecting participation and that Americans are tuning out the fear.

Juan Proaño of the League of United Latin American Citizens expressed concern that the timing of the enforcement actions could dissuade voters. He clarified that the issue is not always agents at polling stations, but rather operations near the perimeter that become visible through social media and news coverage.

Weiser emphasized that while early voting numbers are high in Latino and other targeted communities, intimidation at the polls remains illegal. She urged residents to report instances of voter intimidation as they continue to vote.

The increase in enforcement coincides with a period when many states are holding their midterm elections. Local officials and volunteer groups in affected areas continue to monitor ICE movements and document interactions with residents.