Video: How ICE Is Pushing Tech Companies to Identify Protesters
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by Sheera Frenkel, Christina Thornell, Valentina Caval, Thomas Vollkommer, Jon Hazell and June KimFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying its efforts to pressure social media companies into identifying individuals protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By flooding these platforms with administrative subpoenas, DHS aims to track down accounts that criticize or oppose ICE operations. While tech giants like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok have pushed back against these demands, they are largely complying due to legal and regulatory pressures. This growing conflict raises questions about the balance between national security and free expression in the digital age.
The move by DHS comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE activities and increasing online activism against immigration policies. These subpoenas require social
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026