Judge Blocks DHS Voter Probe

A federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction limiting DHS election field operations and interviews in nine states when agents know, or should suspect, they may involve U.S. citizens. The judge found the probes likely violated Voting Rights Act protections against voter intimidation. The administration’s Unlawful Voter Initiative sent agents to investigate suspected noncitizen registration and voting before the midterms, despite rare noncitizen voting and unsupported claims of widespread fraud. DHS said the work protected election integrity and citizens’ votes. Plaintiffs said it intimidated voters and voter-assistance workers. The injunction is stayed until 5 p.m. October 23 for an appeal and would run through November 3.