Homeland Security is trying to force tech companies to hand over data about Trump critics

The Department of Homeland Security has been quietly demanding tech companies turn over user information about critics of the Trump administration, according to reports. In several cases over recent months, the agency has used administrative subpoenas to seek identifiable information about individuals who run anonymous Instagram accounts sharing posts about ICE immigration raids in their local neighborhoods. The subpoenas have also targeted people who criticized Trump officials or protested government policies. Administrative subpoenas are issued by federal agencies without a judge's oversight. They can demand details such as login times, IP addresses, devices used, and account identifiers, though companies decide whether to provide the data. Bloomberg reported that Homeland Security subpoenaed Meta for information on the operator of the @montocowatch Instagram account, which shares resources to protect immigrant rights and due process. The American Civil Liberties Union, representing the account owner, said the actions were protected under the First Amendment, and the subpoena was withdrawn. The Washington Post reported that an administrative subpoena was sent to Google about an American retiree within hours after he emailed a Homeland Security attorney with criticism of an immigration case. The retiree received notice from Google and was later visited by agents at his home. Google stated it pushes back against overbroad subpoenas, as it did in this instance. A Homeland Security spokesperson cited statutory authority for the subpoenas but did not explain the withdrawals.