First Amendment

Civil Liberties Groups Sue for Information on ICE's Speech-Chilling Subpoenas

The feds have been demanding that tech companies identify the administration's anonymous online critics. That violates the First Amendment.

Autumn Billings | 4.24.2026 2:29 PM

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(Credit: Benjamin Hanson/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom)

Is the Trump administration trying to unmask anonymous online critics in violation of the First Amendment? Two lawsuits have been filed recently to force Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to turn over information regarding their alleged unconstitutional use of administrative subpoenas. 

Since President Donald Trump retook office in January 2025, tech companies have reportedly seen an increased number of administrative subpoenas from the DHS and ICE demanding identifying information of certain users, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and other identifying information. Known as unmasking subpoenas, these subpoenas are issued by the DHS and don't require judicial approval. Historically, unmasking subpoenas have........

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