ICE Memo Sparks Warnings of Database Containing Information on Protesters, Critics Say
Senator Edward J. Markey has urged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to confirm or deny the existence of a database that allegedly contains information on US citizens who protest against ICE's immigration crackdowns.
A memo sent to ICE agents in Minneapolis instructed them to "capture all images, license plates, identifications, and general information on hotels, agitators, protestors, etc., so we can capture it all in one consolidated form." Critics say this directive encourages the broad collection of personal information about individuals engaged in protest activity without any indication of criminal wrongdoing or legal justification.
Markey's letter called for details on the database, if it exists, as well as plans to create such a database and the legal authority behind its creation. The senator also asked for a copy of the memo and similar directives instructing agents to collect personal information about protesters, bystanders, or individuals filming ICE activity.
The senator's concerns were echoed by another recent incident in Portland, Maine, where an ICE agent told an observer that they were now considered a domestic terrorist after taking video. Markey pointed out that this incident is alarming given the numerous instances of DHS concluding that protesting ICE constitutes grounds for arrest.
Markey warned that creating such a database would constitute a "shocking violation of the First Amendment and abuse of power," comparing it to tactics used by authoritarian governments like China and Russia. He also highlighted Tom Homan's comment on Fox News, where he stated plans to create a database to identify protesters and make them famous.
The senator demanded that DHS take steps to ensure its agents do not intimidate or retaliate against individuals engaged in First Amendment-protected activity, including protests. Markey is planning to propose legislation to ban ICE's use of facial recognition technology after an observer in Minnesota had her Global Entry and TSA PreCheck privileges revoked three days after an incident with an agent.
Markey urged DHS to investigate the agent involved in the Maine incident and take disciplinary action if necessary. He also asked whether any agents are being investigated or facing disciplinary action for their actions.
Senator Edward J. Markey has urged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to confirm or deny the existence of a database that allegedly contains information on US citizens who protest against ICE's immigration crackdowns.
A memo sent to ICE agents in Minneapolis instructed them to "capture all images, license plates, identifications, and general information on hotels, agitators, protestors, etc., so we can capture it all in one consolidated form." Critics say this directive encourages the broad collection of personal information about individuals engaged in protest activity without any indication of criminal wrongdoing or legal justification.
Markey's letter called for details on the database, if it exists, as well as plans to create such a database and the legal authority behind its creation. The senator also asked for a copy of the memo and similar directives instructing agents to collect personal information about protesters, bystanders, or individuals filming ICE activity.
The senator's concerns were echoed by another recent incident in Portland, Maine, where an ICE agent told an observer that they were now considered a domestic terrorist after taking video. Markey pointed out that this incident is alarming given the numerous instances of DHS concluding that protesting ICE constitutes grounds for arrest.
Markey warned that creating such a database would constitute a "shocking violation of the First Amendment and abuse of power," comparing it to tactics used by authoritarian governments like China and Russia. He also highlighted Tom Homan's comment on Fox News, where he stated plans to create a database to identify protesters and make them famous.
The senator demanded that DHS take steps to ensure its agents do not intimidate or retaliate against individuals engaged in First Amendment-protected activity, including protests. Markey is planning to propose legislation to ban ICE's use of facial recognition technology after an observer in Minnesota had her Global Entry and TSA PreCheck privileges revoked three days after an incident with an agent.
Markey urged DHS to investigate the agent involved in the Maine incident and take disciplinary action if necessary. He also asked whether any agents are being investigated or facing disciplinary action for their actions.
A database containing info on protesters? That's like something out of a sci-fi movie! It's no wonder Markey is sounding the alarm - we need to protect our right to free speech and peaceful assembly. The idea that agents are being treated as domestic terrorists just for exercising their constitutional rights is chilling 
. And what's with the "make them famous" comment? That's just wrong, period. 
We can't let our country become a surveillance state where citizens are monitored and retaliated against for exercising their rights. 
This has to stop!
. It's like, we have the right to free speech and assemble, but apparently, the gov't doesn't wanna take care of that 
.
. And what's with the "domestic terrorist" label? That's just not how it works 
. We need to be careful about who we trust and how our rights are being protected #HumanRightsMatter.
. He needs to push for more transparency and accountability from the gov't 
. And honestly, I'd love to see some real legislation on this issue 
. No more exploiting tech or using it to silence ppl who speak out #TechForGood.
. Let's get the gov't to do better and keep our rights protected 
!
This is seriously freaking me out! If they're building a database of ppl who protest ICE, that's like, huge violation of civil rights... 
I mean, what happens when it gets out? They'll just use it to crack down on even more dissent? 
. this whole thing feels like something out of a movie, you know? where the government's just trying to chill with protesters and now they're creating databases to track people down 
. and what's up with tom homan saying he wants to make protesters famous? 
is that even a thing now? anyway, gotta keep an eye on this one, you know? can't let ICE just run wild 
.
This is getting outta hand... a database of protesters? that's just chilling 
this is how we go from being a free country to a totalitarian state 
Markey's right to sound the alarm and demand accountability 
. Creating a database of protesters is like something out of a bad movie 
. It's gotta stop!
. Creating such a database would be a huge overreach of power and basically make protesters easy targets for harassment. It's like they're trying to create a police state in the US without actually having a need for it 
. We need more senator Markeys like that, standing up for what's right and pushing back against ICE's overreach