Statement from Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on FBI Midterm Elections Briefing

PHOENIX – Today, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes participated in the federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) virtual briefing regarding preparations for the 2026 midterm elections and released the following statement:

“The vast majority of election, law enforcement, and investigative professionals in these agencies are working hard to maintain secure and accountable American elections. It was deeply unsettling the DOJ and DHS refused to acknowledge that, according to the U.S. Constitution, states run elections in America.

It is unfortunate that there were some on this call who have bought into the politics of grievance levied by the President that we all must fight against for the safety and security of our voters. I was particularly disappointed that the Administration allowed an election denier like Heather Honey on the call to spread misinformation and brazen lies about election administration and security issues.

However, I am pleased to announce that it was clearly stated by Ms. Honey during the call that ICE will not be placed at any polling location in 2026 and any statement otherwise is disinformation by saying, 'Any suggestion that ICE will be present at any polling location is simply not true.'

I remain proud of the partnerships we retain in service of our voters, and proud of all election workers in Arizona who continue to do their important work for democracy in spite of the noise.

If the federal government is serious about being a partner in 2026, I look forward to them walking the talk. I recommend DHS start by responding to my letters requesting information and support from Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) dated March 7, 2025, and February 5, 2026.”