New law keeps ICE agents away from the polls on Election Day, early voting
Sen. Ana B. Quezada, left, and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo, flanked by his daughters, display their bill after Gov. Dan McKee, center, signed them.
STATE HOUSE — A new law introduced by Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo and Sen. Ana B. Quezada that keeps Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents away from polling places was ceremonially signed into law today by Gov. Dan McKee at Dorcas International Institute in Providence.
The law (2026-H 7434A, 2026-S 3339) prohibits ICE employees, agents or officials from being within 200 feet of any polling place during voting, including early voting and Election Day voting.
“This law protects the integrity of our elections by ensuring that every eligible Rhode Island voter can exercise their right to vote free from intimidation,” said Representative Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls.) “It creates a 200-foot buffer to prevent the presence of federal immigration officials at or near public polling locations in a way that could chill election participation. As the son of a Colombian immigrant, I can tell you first-hand that the presence of ICE vehicles or personnel absolutely will intimidate first-generation immigrants — naturalized citizens and lawful voters. This is particularly true in communities such as Central Falls, which I represent, that have a large population of immigrants.”
The law would not apply to ICE agents who are entering the polling place for the limited purpose of voting or handing in a ballot.
“With our immigrant population showing a very real and palpable fear of ICE agents, it is imperative that we establish these safeguards to protect the right to vote,” said Senator Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence). “Federal law clearly prohibits intimidation and coercion that interferes with a person’s right to vote. That intimidation can effectively suppress voter turnout — particularly in communities of new Americans who already feel disenfranchised.”