Homeland Security reportedly sent hundreds of subpoenas seeking to unmask anti-ICE accounts | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Anthony Ha

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Homeland Security has reportedly sent hundreds of subpoenas to major tech companies like Google, Meta, Reddit, and Discord, seeking to identify the owners of anonymous social media accounts that criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move reflects an escalation in pressure on tech platforms to unmask users who express dissent or share information about ICE operations. While some companies have complied with these requests, others have pushed back, particularly when they believe the subpoenas are overly broad or infringe on user privacy. Recent reporting from outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg, and The Washington Post highlights that this practice has become increasingly common in recent months. Homeland Security is using administrative subpoenas, which do not require judicial approval, to target accounts without real-name verification. These subpoenas have specifically zeroed in on social media pages that either criticize ICE or describe the locations of its agents. For instance, Bloomberg reported on five cases where the department withdrew its subpoenas after legal challenges from account owners. The growing use of such tools raises concerns among tech companies and civil liberties advocates about the potential for censorship and overreach. While Google, Meta, and Reddit have complied with some requests, they have also argued against overly broad demands, emphasizing their commitment to protecting user privacy and free expression. The NYT noted that this approach, once used sparingly, has now become a routine tactic for Homeland Security, signaling a broader shift in how the government is engaging with tech platforms to enforce its policies. For readers interested in tech and policy, this underscores the ongoing tension between national security objectives and digital rights. As governments increasingly leverage technology to monitor and control online speech, companies face tough decisions balancing compliance with legal demands and safeguarding user privacy. This trend also raises important questions about transparency and accountability, particularly when administrative subpoenas are used without judicial oversight. The outcome of these cases could set significant precedents for how tech platforms handle government requests in the future. In summary, Homeland Security’s escalation in using subpoenas to unmask anti-ICE accounts reflects a broader shift in how government agencies interact with tech companies and social media platforms. While aimed at curbing criticism of ICE, this practice has sparked concerns about free speech, privacy rights, and the balance between national security and digital freedoms. The response from tech companies and the legal challenges

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/14/2026