The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued hundreds of administrative subpoenas to technology companies. These orders demand that Meta and Google reveal the identities of users critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Administrative subpoenas do not require a judge’s approval to compel the release of data. DHS is seeking personal information such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers from anonymous accounts. The agency specifically targeted users who criticized ICE or shared the locations of its agents.
Several technology firms have complied with a portion of the requests. Other companies notified affected users, providing a window for them to challenge the subpoenas in court.
The ACLU and other civil liberties groups argue these actions could chill free speech protected by the First Amendment. DHS maintains in court filings that the subpoenas are necessary to investigate threats and ensure the safety of its agents.