ICE’s Internal Watchdog Is Now Investigating Online Critics
ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is increasingly investigating American civilians for online criticism and alleged threats against agency employees. Critics argue this represents an overreach of an internal watchdog department into civilian affairs.
Why it matters
This raises significant civil liberties concerns regarding the use of federal internal investigative bodies to monitor and intimidate private citizens.
The agents at the poll site asked Gonyea to sign a warning notice that said it was unlawful to “threaten to assault, kidnap and/or murder” federal officials or their immediate family members in an effort to impede that federal official’s work. The form also requested that she remove her post “and/or discontinue” her behavior.
The framing emphasizes the perspective of the civilian critic and highlights potential government overreach, which is a common angle in civil-liberties-focused reporting.
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