Free Speech

ICE Warns Syracuse Poll Worker To Delete a Political Instagram Post

Federal law can punish true threats, and doxing intended to facilitate violence. But this woman simply named a government agent, which is not a crime.

Reem Ibrahim | 6.29.2026 2:24 PM

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(Paigelynne Gonyea/syracusecom/Youtube)

Over the past year and a half, Trump administration officials have gone after protestors—and even apps—critical of the government's immigration policies. Now, federal agents are targeting individuals for constitutionally protected speech on social media.

Last week, Syracuse resident Paigelynne Gonyea was approached by two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her workplace and given a warning to remove a social media post on an Instagram account the agents believed was hers. In a letter given to Gonyea, the ICE agents say the post may have broken federal law, as reported by Syracuse.com.

"YOU MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW," the document she shared on Instagram reads. "OPR (ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility) has identified an Instagram post handle 'TURNDAPAIGEOFFICAL', which it has reason to believe may constitute a violation of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Accordingly, OPR is requesting that you promptly remove and/or discontinue the aforementioned behavior."

Under Section 115 of Title 18, it is illegal to threaten to assault, kidnap, or murder a federal official, federal law enforcement officer, or their immediate family member when the threat is........

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