Stop ICE Election Militarization Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7621
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-10T08:05:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Stop ICE Election Militarization Act" (H.R. 7621) aims to prevent immigration officers from interfering in federal elections, similar to existing restrictions on the military. It seeks to ensure that immigration enforcement activities do not disrupt or influence voting processes, particularly in the weeks leading up to elections.
Key Provisions
- Extension of Election Interference Ban: Amends Section 593 of Title 18, United States Code (which currently prohibits military personnel from interfering in elections, such as by giving orders that affect voting or suppressing votes). This ban now explicitly includes "immigration officers" (defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act as officials involved in enforcing immigration laws, like those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE).
- Restrictions on Enforcement Near Elections: Prohibits any immigration enforcement or removal operations (such as arrests or deportations) during the 4-week period before a federal election, unless:
- The operation is based on "particularized criminal probable cause" (specific evidence of a crime tied to an individual, like an arrest warrant for a serious offense).
- It is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury (e.g., an immediate threat to public safety).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the scope of Section 593 from only military personnel to also cover immigration officers, closing a gap that allowed potential election-related interference by civilian enforcement agencies.
- Introduces a new, time-limited restriction on routine immigration operations near elections, which did not previously exist in federal law. This creates a "cooling-off" period to avoid perceptions or realities of voter intimidation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Limits ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations in the lead-up to federal elections, potentially requiring agencies to pause non-urgent activities and prioritize only high-risk cases. This could strain resources if operations are delayed.
- On Citizens: Protects voters, especially in immigrant communities, from potential disruptions to voting access caused by enforcement actions (e.g., raids near polling places). It may reduce fears of deportation that could suppress turnout.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but could improve the U.S. image abroad by demonstrating commitment to fair elections and non-militarization of civilian processes, potentially easing tensions with countries concerned about U.S. immigration policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Immigration Officers and Agencies: ICE and DHS personnel, who face new prohibitions and operational limits.
- Voters and Communities: Immigrant populations and minority groups, who may benefit from reduced enforcement risks during elections.
- Election Officials: Federal, state, and local authorities overseeing elections, who gain protections against external interference.
- Congress and Lawmakers: Sponsors (e.g., Representatives Larson, Williams, and others) and committees like the House Judiciary Committee, which handle oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens enforcement of anti-interference laws by applying them to civilian agencies, potentially leading to new criminal penalties (fines or imprisonment under Section 593) for violations. It relies on existing definitions in immigration law for clarity.
- Constitutional: Supports the First and Fourteenth Amendments by safeguarding free elections and equal protection, preventing any "militarization" that could chill voting rights. No direct challenge to separation of powers, as it regulates executive branch activities.
- Political: Addresses concerns about voter suppression in diverse areas, promoting electoral integrity without altering core immigration authority. It could spark debates on balancing national security with democratic processes, especially in polarized immigration policy contexts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Stop ICE Election Militarization Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (3 pages)