1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to you today as a concerned constituent to urge your immediate leadership in protecting our democratic process. Specifically, I am asking you to sponsor/support legislation as a contingency in DHS funding that establishes a "safe zone" around polling locations, prohibiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from conducting enforcement operations within a significant distance of any site where voting or voter registration is occurring. The presence of federal immigration agents near polling places—whether intended for enforcement or simply as a show of force—creates a profound chilling effect. It undermines election security by fostering an environment of voter intimidation, particularly in our state's diverse immigrant communities. When eligible voters fear that showing up to the polls could result in aggressive questioning, surveillance, or detention for themselves or their family members, the fundamental right to vote is effectively neutralized. While current DHS policies often designate "sensitive locations," these are frequently internal memos that can be rescinded at any time. We need permanent, statutory protections to ensure that: • Polling Places are Sanctuary Sites: Explicitly prohibit civil immigration arrests and staging operations at or near polling places and early voting sites. • Clear Buffer Zones: Establish a mandatory distance (e.g., 1,000 feet) where federal immigration enforcement is restricted during election cycles. • Accountability Measures: Require transparency and reporting for any federal law enforcement presence near civic infrastructure. Election integrity isn't just about the security of the ballot box; it’s about the security of the voter. Voter intimidation is a federal crime, and the use of federal agencies to indirectly suppress the vote is a direct threat to the stability of our republic. I ask that you stand up for the sanctity of the vote and ensure that no American has to choose between their safety and their civic duty. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address this urgent matter.