Immigration enforcement presence reported at early voting sites in Florida

Officials in Leon and Monroe counties in Florida reported sightings of immigration enforcement agents at or near early voting polling places, according to WUSF.

In Leon County, two U.S. Customs and Border Patrol vehicles were seen at the Northeast Branch Library, the busiest polling site, where they stayed for about 10 minutes before leaving, said Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley. No calls about the incident were received by his office.

In Monroe County, Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies launched an investigation after reports of masked federal agents conducting a stop at a polling place in Key Largo. Both supervisors have contacted the FBI regarding these incidents.

Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in or near polling places unless necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. The FBI had previously reassured election supervisors that immigration enforcement would not occur at polling places during this election cycle.

Earley described the presence of border patrol agents at a polling site as "very unfortunate" and emphasized that voters should never experience intimidation from law enforcement or any government officials while voting.

The Florida Department of State and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.