U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate regarding recent Democratic proposals to ban immigration enforcement at polling places. This suggestion would add polling sites to the list of “sensitive locations,” which traditionally includes schools, churches, and hospitals.
Barrasso criticized Democrats for what he described as efforts to protect “illegal immigrant criminals” at polling stations while opposing measures such as requiring photo identification for voting. He stated: “Democrats seem fixated on protecting illegal immigrant criminals at polling places. Yet Democrats energetically oppose commonsense policies that protect the integrity of the ballot. Democrats oppose requiring a photo I.D. to vote… Yet they support banning immigration enforcement at polling places.”
He questioned why Democrats want to prevent immigration enforcement at these sites, arguing that non-citizens are not permitted to vote in federal elections and should not be present at polling places unless attempting to do so. Barrasso said: “Let me ask Senate Democrats a simple question. Why do you want to protect illegal immigrant criminals at polling places? They should not be at U.S. polling places. Why would they be there if they are not trying to vote? Illegal immigrants are not permitted to vote in federal elections.”
Barrasso linked these policy proposals with broader Democratic positions on immigration enforcement, stating: “Taken together, the list of Democrat demands points in one dangerous direction – towards abolishing ICE, abolishing our borders, and turning America into a sanctuary country. Republicans will not accept changes that make our communities less safe.”
The senator also highlighted the upcoming deadline for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), noting that its budget is $90 billion and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accounts for 11 percent of that total. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could impact disaster relief operations, air travel security through TSA, Coast Guard missions related to drug interdiction and rescue operations, and national cybersecurity protections.
“This week, Senate Democrats have a choice to make,” Barrasso said from the floor. “Option 1: Fund the Department of Homeland Security. Option 2: Democrats can once again side with the radical left and force a shutdown of vital services to the American people to protect illegal immigrant criminals.” He concluded by urging Democrats to prioritize public safety over what he characterized as protection for undocumented immigrants.
