A new lawsuit alleges DHS illegally tracked and intimidated observers
A lawsuit alleges DHS unlawfully retaliated against observers of immigration enforcement by collecting their data and falsely labeling them 'domestic terrorists'.Summary
A new federal lawsuit accuses the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its sub-agencies of violating the First Amendment rights of individuals observing and recording federal immigration enforcement operations. Plaintiffs, including social worker Colleen Fagan and Portland resident Elinor Hilton, claim agents are unconstitutionally gathering their personal information, scanning their faces, and labeling them as “domestic terrorists” for peacefully observing lawful activities. DHS denies the existence of a “domestic terrorist” database but admits to monitoring and investigating threats against its officers.
The lawsuit details instances where agents scanned observers’ faces and license plates, and even followed them home to intimidate them. Former ICE advisor Tom Homan previously advocated for a database of individuals who impede ICE operations, while DHS officials have broadened the definition of “doxing” to include simply filming and posting photos of agents online.
The plaintiffs seek a court order to stop DHS from collecting records on observers, cease retaliatory actions, and expunge any existing records. The lawsuit argues that DHS is either deliberately lying about the existence of databases or unlawfully intimidating observers by falsely claiming they are being added to watchlists, and aims to protect the rights of peaceful dissent and observation.
(Source：NPR)