Arlington County sues Trump administration to block armed federal agents at polls

Arlington County, Virginia, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration aiming to block armed federal law enforcement officers, including ICE and FBI agents, from operating at polling places during the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, WTOP reported.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and names the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, the Department of Justice, and the FBI along with their leaders, according to FOX 5 DC.

Officials cite statements from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and FBI Director Kash Patel suggesting armed federal agents could conduct enforcement operations at polling sites, including serving warrants, which Arlington County officials say could intimidate voters and disrupt elections.

Arlington County Board members expressed concern that these federal policies violate an 1865 federal law prohibiting armed personnel at election sites except in narrowly defined circumstances and infringe on local rights to conduct free elections, WTOP reported.

The threat of armed federal agents at polling places has led local election officials, police, and prosecutors to prepare emergency plans and guidance to handle possible encounters, according to WTOP.

Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti described the federal statements as attempts to stoke fear and undermine confidence in elections, emphasizing the county’s commitment to protecting voters’ rights, FOX 5 DC reported.