Poll Worker Confronted by Federal Officers Over ICE-Related Social Media Post

During Tuesday’s New York primary, poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea was approached inside a Syracuse polling site by two federal officers. They handed her an unsigned warning letter alleging a possible violation of federal statutes that forbid posting personal information about federal officers. Gonyea refused to sign and later posted the letter online. No voters were present, and voting continued uninterrupted.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

In January 2026 Gonyea posted a photo of ICE Special Agent Jonathan Ross—identified as the officer who killed Renee Good during anti-ICE protests—captioned, “I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted.” DHS later labeled the post “doxxing,” despite the image lacking an address.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Lauren Bis called doxxing a federal crime that endangers officers and warned of investigation. The New York State Board of Elections said the incident did not disrupt voting. The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the matter; the governor’s office reported no similar incidents. Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny confirmed voting continued and linked Gonyea to resources. Representative John Mannion wrote to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging a review and a halt to ICE actions targeting protected speech.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICEUsNews and World Report

Sean Morales-Doyle of Brennan Center warned the officers’ presence “could still be intimidating to voters and poll workers.” FIRE attorney Adam Steinbaugh said issuing a formal complaint over protected speech “puts us in trouble.” Representative Mannion’s letter argued ICE should not monitor online speech without cause or judicial safeguards.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

Poll worker Sheilia Milledge filmed the officers’ entry, called it a “scare tactic,” and said staff were shaken.

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DHS claimed the Instagram post disclosed Ross’s address, yet the image shows none and the agency offered no rationale for the “doxxing” label. A correction later noted the voicemail used “agent,” not “officer.”

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

• “I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted.” — Paigelynne Gonyea, Instagram post

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

• “I plan on using this experience to defend and support our First Amendment right,” — Paigelynne Gonyea, interview

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

• “I felt like it was a scare tactic that they were using,” — Sheilia Milledge, poll worker

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

• “Doxxing federal law enforcement officers is a federal crime that puts their lives and their families in serious danger,” — Lauren Bis, DHS spokesperson

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

• “We just wanted to talk to you about it. You’re not in any type of trouble,” — DHS agent, voicemail

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

The incident illustrates a potential chilling effect on political speech when law-enforcement officials intervene at polling sites, raising questions about the limits of federal authority to police online expression and the protections needed for constitutionally guaranteed speech.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE

The New York Attorney General’s office continues its review, and congressional inquiries may examine DHS social-media monitoring policies.

Election worker says federal officers confronted her at polls over social media post criticizing ICE