Maine GOP Governor Nominee Seeks ICE Agents at Polling Places

Maine Republican gubernatorial nominee Bobby Charles told supporters he plans to ask White House border czar Tom Homan to deploy federal immigration agents and U.S. Marshals to polling places in the state ahead of the November midterm elections. The comments, captured in an audio recording from an August 20 event with the Maine Young Republicans in Arundel, have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and civil liberties groups who argue the plan is likely illegal and could intimidate voters. In the recording, Charles referenced his relationship with Homan, stating, "I have a friend named Tom Homan," and outlined his intention to make an appeal for federal agents to be present at voting locations three or four weeks before the election. He later clarified that his goal was to ensure state and local election authorities could communicate with federal officials if needed to prevent violence, intimidation, or illegal activity at polling places. His campaign manager, Dale Crafts Jr., added that Charles "will do everything legally possible to prevent illegal voting in Maine." The proposal arrives amid ongoing national debates about election security and immigration enforcement.