US Senator Ron Wyden has blasted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for using customs law to unmask social media accounts tracking immigration agents. In a letter, Wyden described the move as an "abuse of authority" and called on Noem to stop issuing summons that are unrelated to import duties.
The issue began in October when DHS issued a summons to Meta, forcing the company to reveal the identity of MontCo Community Watch, a Facebook and Instagram account monitoring immigration authorities north of Philadelphia. A federal judge temporarily blocked Meta from disclosing user data, citing concerns over First Amendment protected speech.
This incident is not an isolated case. In 2017, Wyden reported that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had attempted to unmask the operator of a Twitter account critical of President Donald Trump by invoking customs law. The report found that CBP's initial claim was unrelated to import duties, but rather aimed at investigating alleged corruption among CBP officials.
Wyden has now asked Noem to review her department's use of summons and ensure compliance with statutory limitations on customs investigations. He also requested the rescission of any unlawful summonses issued by DHS.
The issue highlights concerns over the Trump administration's efforts to suppress criticism and limit free speech. The Intercept notes that this is part of a broader trend of authoritarian takeover in the US government, where court orders are being ignored, MAGA loyalists are holding key positions, and news outlets critical of Trump are facing investigation or banishment.
The incident has sparked outrage among civil liberties groups and free speech advocates, who argue that DHS's actions are an attack on democracy. The Intercept has called for increased scrutiny of the government's use of summons and enforcement of free speech protections to defend democracy.
The issue began in October when DHS issued a summons to Meta, forcing the company to reveal the identity of MontCo Community Watch, a Facebook and Instagram account monitoring immigration authorities north of Philadelphia. A federal judge temporarily blocked Meta from disclosing user data, citing concerns over First Amendment protected speech.
This incident is not an isolated case. In 2017, Wyden reported that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had attempted to unmask the operator of a Twitter account critical of President Donald Trump by invoking customs law. The report found that CBP's initial claim was unrelated to import duties, but rather aimed at investigating alleged corruption among CBP officials.
Wyden has now asked Noem to review her department's use of summons and ensure compliance with statutory limitations on customs investigations. He also requested the rescission of any unlawful summonses issued by DHS.
The issue highlights concerns over the Trump administration's efforts to suppress criticism and limit free speech. The Intercept notes that this is part of a broader trend of authoritarian takeover in the US government, where court orders are being ignored, MAGA loyalists are holding key positions, and news outlets critical of Trump are facing investigation or banishment.
The incident has sparked outrage among civil liberties groups and free speech advocates, who argue that DHS's actions are an attack on democracy. The Intercept has called for increased scrutiny of the government's use of summons and enforcement of free speech protections to defend democracy.
. it's like they're trying to stifle free speech, which is a fundamental right in the US. Kristi Noem needs to explain why she's doing this and how it aligns with the law... or if it doesn't 
. Wyden's asking her to stop issuing summons that have nothing to do with import duties, so that's a good start 
. but this whole thing highlights the need for stricter checks on government power and more transparency around their actions 
.
i cant believe wyden is speaking out against this, he's literally a hero for calling out bad stuff. 
what if meta or the twiter guy had been sued into silence? that would be super oppressive. we need more ppl like wyden who wont back down when it comes to fighting for our rights and freedom of speech! 
I feel like we're losing control over our freedom to speak out... whoever is behind those Twitter accounts, they should be protected 
. It's not right that DHS can just come after them with customs law 
This whole thing feels really suspicious to me 
.
this is getting outta hand 
i'm all for holding people accountable but this feels like another example of the government trying to silence dissenting voices. and what's with this obsession with trump anyway? can't we just focus on actual issues instead of who's being a good little maga loyalist? 
It's all about free speech and protecting whistleblowers, you know? 
. And can we please just talk about how this whole thing feels like a slippery slope towards authoritarianism 
And it's not just one case, either - there was another incident back in 2017 where CBP tried to do the same thing... and it was all about investigating corruption within their own department 
. And now this is just part of a bigger trend where people in power are kinda silencing critics and journalists who are doing their job 
.
and what about free speech? shouldn't ppl be able to say whatever they want online without getting shut down by the government? 
i mean, i know there's still some good stuff happening, but it feels like we're losing so much with all these MAGA loyalists holding power and ignoring court orders 
. Can we please just have some accountability around here?!
. next thing you know, they'll be using it to silence activists and whistleblowers 
. it's time for us to have some tough conversations about what kinda power we're givin' to our gov't 
using customs law to unmask people just because they're speaking out against certain ppl or policies? it's like, freedom of speech is supposed to be a fundamental right, not something you can silence with a summons 
... and the fact that they're doing this over & over again, like in 2017 too 
... it's just so concerning for our democracy 