Story perspectives

DHS Withdraws Subpoenas After ACLU Criticism on Privacy

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used administrative subpoenas to obtain user data from tech companies about U.S. President Donald Trump’s critics.
Reports indicate these subpoenas target anonymous Instagram accounts documenting ICE activities and government critique.
Unlike judicial subpoenas, they do not require a judge's approval, raising privacy and oversight concerns.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized the practice as intimidation.
DHS withdrew the subpoenas after legal challenges.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used administrative subpoenas to obtain user data from tech companies about U.S. President Donald Trump’s critics.
Reports indicate these subpoenas target anonymous Instagram accounts documenting ICE activities and government critique.
Unlike judicial subpoenas, they do not require a judge's approval, raising privacy and oversight concerns.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized the practice as intimidation.
DHS withdrew the subpoenas after legal challenges.