ICE at the polls! Bannon is basically yelling “fire” in a crowded theater here. His objective is to cause chaos (and suppress votes on the left). And it’s already working.
This threat works on multiple levels and doesn’t have to be “real” to serve its purpose.
Let me explain & offer some advice.
What Bannon is proposing is illegal.
Brennan Center: “It is illegal to deploy federal troops or armed federal law enforcement to any polling place. In fact, it is a federal crime for anyone in the U.S. military to interfere in elections in any way.”
www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...
Federal and State Election Laws Ban Federal Forces from Polling Places
Americans should feel safe to vote free from intimidation by the presence of the military or federal agents.
Bannon knows that deploying ICE to the polls constitutes illegal voter intimidation. So why is he encouraging Trump to break the law? Because he also knows this threat will work to suppress votes even if federal agents never get anywhere near the polls. The fear of ICE is enough to keep people home.
This rhetoric puts Democrats (and anyone who cares about democracy) in a bind. There is legitimate outrage, but by amplifying the threat, we assist in its purpose of intimidating voters. So, how do we address this attack on democracy?
Proponents of democracy will need to do several things at once:
Feb 4, 2026 21:17First, local and state govts need to do everything in their power to ensure that people can vote safely, without fear of intimidation. Simultaneously (to the extent that it's true) they need to proactively communicate to voters that they will be safe & protected while exercising their right to vote.
Second, the legal election observers (that already part of the process) need to be trained to also document illegal intimidation near the polls, & there needs to be a mechanism for individuals and communities who are disenfranchised by any of these activities to RAPIDLY connect to legal assistance.
Third, journalists, non-profits, social media influencers, and everyday people need to be VERY discerning and careful about not amplifying unsubstantiated rumors about ICE or other law enforcement at or near the polls, because false rumors (even if well-meaning) WILL suppress the vote.
Bannon (and his buddies) are using an informational strategy called reflexive control that intentionally exploits the reaction of his adversaries (on the left) to inflict damage on their own side. Don't become an unwitting agent in their information operation.
Another always-good recommendation is to encourage people who are concerned to vote early and/or by mail (if those options are available) to reduce both real and perceived risk.
Also, love the comments here about folks not being intimidated and even more motivated to vote. That’s also a good message. Especially if it comes with social support … going to the polls with a friend or group.
Amplifying the threat assists in intimidation? Does it not simply alert people?
