The Department of Homeland Security sent hundreds of subpoenas to Google, Meta, Reddit, and Discord demanding the identities of anonymous users who criticized ICE or tracked agent locations. Google, Meta, and Reddit complied with at least some requests. In one case, Google handed over user data the same day it notified the user—giving no realistic opportunity to fight back. In another, Google fulfilled an ICE subpoena demanding a Cornell student journalist's bank and credit card numbers, far beyond what is typical for identity requests, without notifying him or giving him a chance to challenge it in court. 28 members of Congress, led by Reps. Robin Kelly and Pramila Jayapal, sent a letter to major tech companies demanding transparency on how they handle DHS administrative subpoenas, stating that DHS has used this authority to target Americans engaged in protected speech. In March 2026, an NPR investigation revealed that ICE agents are using facial recognition to scan faces during field operations, part of a broader surveillance apparatus that also targets U.S. citizens who criticize ICE online. The administrative subpoena program is one component of this expanding DHS surveillance web, which now combines data demands on tech companies with real-time biometric identification in the field.
Google, Meta, and Reddit hand over identities of Americans criticizing ICE to Trump Administration
Friday, February 13, 2026
Share:
These weren't court orders. They were administrative subpoenas, issued by DHS itself with no judge involved. Companies can refuse them, and if they do, DHS has to go to court and prove the request is lawful. When a handful of users did challenge these subpoenas with ACLU help, DHS withdrew them rather than face a judge. In contrast, Apple has historically refused requests to unlock devices, arguing user privacy is non-negotiable. Google, Meta, and Reddit—whose platforms include Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are making a different choice: they are handing over data identifying Americans exercising their First Amendment rights, without forcing the government to prove it had the right to ask. Google and Meta have extensive business before the federal government and are prioritizing favor with the administration over the privacy and safety of their users.
Active Campaign
Stop DHS Surveillance Through Tech
Join the campaign to fight warrantless government surveillance.
Take Action
Cancel Services
Vote with your wallet
Links go directly to official cancellation pages
Sources(6)
NPR•Mar 4, 2026
Office of Rep. Robin Kelly•Mar 3, 2026
TechCrunch•Feb 14, 2026
New York Times•Feb 13, 2026
The Intercept•Feb 10, 2026