Just under two weeks before the November 3, 2026 general elections, concerns have been raised in Florida following two incidents involving federal Border Patrol agents near early voting locations.
The electoral supervisors from Leon and Monroe counties reached out to the FBI after the events unfolded on Monday, October 20, marking the start of early voting in several Florida counties.
Incidents in Tallahassee and Key Largo Spark Concerns
In Tallahassee, at approximately 10:15 a.m., two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicles were parked for about ten minutes outside the Northeast Branch Library, the most frequented early voting site in Leon County.
Mark Earley, the election supervisor, filed a formal complaint with the FBI the next day, emphasizing that the agency is "taking it very seriously."
In Key Largo, as reported by Keys Weekly, agents in unmarked vehicles intercepted a car and removed a man at the southern entrance of the Murray Nelson Government Center, which was serving as an early voting site, shortly before 1:00 p.m. that same Monday.
The identity of the detained individual remains unconfirmed, as does whether he was a voter or a migrant.
Sherri Hodies, the Monroe election supervisor, launched an investigation and also contacted the FBI.
"The mere presence of armed Border Patrol agents outside a voting site is expressly prohibited by federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 592 during elections," she stated.
Hodies highlighted the discrepancy with previous guarantees. "In meeting after meeting, we were assured repeatedly that the voting process would be a peaceful experience for voters. There would be no show of force by federal agencies at our nation's voting sites. We are bewildered," she asserted.
Broken Promises and Federal Law
The incidents stand in contradiction to explicit commitments made by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
During the 2026 state election conference, the FBI assured supervisors that there would be no immigration operations at voting locations.
Tim Bobanic, the Brevard supervisor, recalled being told "time and again that there are no plans for such activities in Florida."
Earley himself had reassured his election workers last July: "Don't worry, there won't be any ICE at the voting stations. That's illegal."
A July 2026 analysis by the Brennan Center concluded that the § 592 prohibition includes armed federal agents like ICE or CBP when dispatched to election sites.
Penalties could involve fines, up to five years of imprisonment, and disqualification from federal office. Neither ICE nor the Florida Department of State responded to requests for comment.
Key Information for Cuban Americans Before November 3
For the Cuban American community in Miami-Dade, these incidents occur amidst heightened tensions. Early voting in Miami-Dade runs until November 1 at 28 locations, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
It is essential for naturalized citizens to understand that their right to vote is complete and equal to that of any other U.S. citizen.
No one can request their immigration status to vote, and the status of family members with I-220A, parole, or other pending processes does not affect this individual right.
As outlined at the start of the electoral period, only duly registered citizens can vote.
If voters observe federal agents at or near a voting site, they can report it to their county's election supervisor, the FBI (1-800-CALL-FBI), or the Department of Justice (1-800-253-3931).
Thomas Kennedy, spokesperson for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, was forthright: "For me and immigrant advocacy groups, it smells and feels like a tactic of intimidation. It's completely unnecessary."
Earley, meanwhile, concluded with a call to voters: "Stand up, make your voice heard, and go out to vote."
Important Questions About Voting in Florida
What should voters do if they see federal agents near voting sites?
Voters should report the presence of federal agents to their county's election supervisor, the FBI (1-800-CALL-FBI), or the Department of Justice (1-800-253-3931).
Is it legal for federal agents to be present at voting locations during elections?
No, the presence of armed federal agents at voting sites is prohibited by federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 592 during elections.
Can naturalized citizens in Florida vote without restrictions?
Yes, naturalized citizens have the same voting rights as any other U.S. citizen, and no one can ask for their immigration status to vote.