Hackers expose the identities of more than 40k DHS employees
A hacktivist group known as the Department of Peace breached the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, exposing the personal data of over 40,000 employees. The stolen information, which includes details on undercover operatives, was distributed to a database called Icepick.
Why it matters
This massive data breach poses a significant national security risk by potentially compromising undercover operations and the safety of federal law enforcement personnel.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • 11:28 PM EDT
Heard on Morning Edition A hacking group cracked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's personnel files, exposing the names, phone numbers and addresses of more than 40,000 DHS agents, operatives, and associates, on Wednesday, including those involved in undercover operations.
"On July 17th, Markwayne Mullin said he was 'turning up the heat.' This is what happens to ICE when you do that," a spokesperson for the hacktivist group behind the breach, the Department of Peace, said in an online statement.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Hacktivists Leak Personal Records of 41,000 Homeland Security Employees Online
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in