Federal judge blocks DHS door-to-door voter-status inquiries in nine states

A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the Department of Homeland Security to cease its door-to-door inquiries about immigration status and recent voting activity in nine states, finding the practice likely breaches the Voting Rights Act. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin, bars "elections-related field operations and field interviews" that could involve U.S. citizens in states that include California and New York. The order will remain in effect through Election Day and was stayed until 5 p.m. on Friday to allow the government time to consider an appeal.

The ruling follows a CBS News investigation that documented agents approaching homes in multiple states. While the administration has described the effort as a measure to prevent noncitizen voting, the judge concluded that the policy likely violates a provision of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits intimidation or coercion of voters and those who assist them. Martinez-Olguin noted that the government’s method for compiling target lists—drawing on data from various agencies and commercial sources—has a "high likelihood of error."

The decision was welcomed by plaintiffs that include the California Nurses Association, National Nurses United and the advocacy group Protect Democracy. Beau Tremitiere, counsel for Protect Democracy, said the ruling underscores that "American citizens hold the ultimate power in our democracy, not the government."

The Justice Department earlier this week announced arrests of several dozen green-card holders in California on allegations of illegal voter registration. The administration has emphasized a focus on voter fraud, though the Justice Department reports only 156 voting-fraud related charges have been filed since the start of the current term.