California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the presence of U.S. immigration agents near voting locations in Los Angeles on Election Day, calling the move a "disgusting display of authoritarianism," as concerns spread about the role of federal law enforcement during the election. Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel near Dodger Stadium and the Cypress Park area circulated widely on Tuesday, prompting questions about voter intimidation in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods.
In a post on X, Newsom accused President Donald Trump and senior adviser Stephen Miller of acting with deliberate intent to suppress turnout. Newsom wrote that the pair were "creating chaos in our communities so people who have the right to vote stay home." Videos published by the Los Angeles Times suggested roughly 100 ICE and CBP agents were stationed near Lot 13 outside the stadium, though their specific mission has not been disclosed publicly.
The Dodgers organization said federal agents had requested access to the stadium parking lots earlier in the year but were denied. California officials have contacted the Department of Homeland Security for clarification, while civil-rights advocates warned that visible federal enforcement activity near polling areas can deter eligible voters from participating.
The developments came on the same day voters approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure backed by Newsom that will authorize new congressional maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. The initiative followed similar mid-cycle mapping efforts led by Trump-aligned Republican lawmakers in Texas, which have drawn national scrutiny.
Reports of heightened federal presence were not limited to California. In New Jersey, rumors of ICE patrols near polling sites in Ocean and Monmouth counties prompted voter concerns, though the Trump administration denied plans for sweeping enforcement actions. Officials acknowledged, however, that Justice Department personnel had been dispatched to monitor polling locations, citing alleged irregularities.
On 60 Minutes, Trump defended the use of immigration enforcement and criticized court-imposed limits on such operations. He stated, "I think they haven't gone far enough," arguing that the individuals targeted were "criminals" who had been expelled from other countries.
California's Attorney General reminded voters that interference or intimidation at polling locations violates state and federal law. Newsom reiterated the state's position, stating that "California will defend democracy and protect every citizen's right to vote."
