Story perspectives

Google Hands Over Student Activist's Data to ICE

2/11/2026

Center

Google Exposes Activist Data

Google provided personal data of student activist Amandla Thomas-Johnson to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under an administrative subpoena without judicial approval.
The data included sensitive information like bank details and IP addresses, following the revocation of Thomas-Johnson's student visa after a pro-Palestinian protest.
Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue that tech companies should challenge such subpoenas to protect user privacy.
In a related matter, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena to Jacksonville's mayor's office regarding claims of obstructing immigration enforcement, which Mayor Donna Deegan defended as lawful.

Right

Uthmeier Subpoenas Deegan

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a subpoena targeting Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan's administration, accusing obstruction of federal immigration efforts.
He said evidence shows city officials shared information about ICE locations, hindering enforcement operations.
Uthmeier asserted local officials must assist federal law enforcement and rejected Deegan's claim of no wrongdoing.
He warned that coordinated obstruction could lead to racketeering charges if proven, and stated, "What we're doing in Florida works."

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished discriminatory national origin quotas established in the 1920s. This landmark legislation reshaped U.S. immigration, allowing increased diversity from Asia and Africa. Recent tensions between Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Jacksonville's Mayor Donna Deegan reflect ongoing conflicts over state versus federal immigration enforcement, echoing historical debates on compliance and individual rights.

1 of 3

Google Exposes Activist Data

Google provided personal data of student activist Amandla Thomas-Johnson to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under an administrative subpoena without judicial approval.
The data included sensitive information like bank details and IP addresses, following the revocation of Thomas-Johnson's student visa after a pro-Palestinian protest.
Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue that tech companies should challenge such subpoenas to protect user privacy.
In a related matter, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a subpoena to Jacksonville's mayor's office regarding claims of obstructing immigration enforcement, which Mayor Donna Deegan defended as lawful.

1 / 3