Senate Demands ICE Explain Memo on Tracking Protesters, Calls for Immediate Action to Shut Down Database.
A letter sent by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) to Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons is calling for an immediate explanation of a memo that allegedly instructs ICE agents to collect personal data on protesters and bystanders. The memo, reportedly sent to ICE agents in Minneapolis, encourages the collection of images, license plates, identification information, and general details about hotels and individuals engaging in protests.
Markey's letter condemned this practice as "shocking" and a clear violation of the First Amendment rights of US citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest. He has asked Lyons for confirmation or denial regarding the existence of such a database, if it exists, and for details on any plans to create one.
A letter sent by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) to Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons is calling for an immediate explanation of a memo that allegedly instructs ICE agents to collect personal data on protesters and bystanders. The memo, reportedly sent to ICE agents in Minneapolis, encourages the collection of images, license plates, identification information, and general details about hotels and individuals engaging in protests.
Markey's letter condemned this practice as "shocking" and a clear violation of the First Amendment rights of US citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest. He has asked Lyons for confirmation or denial regarding the existence of such a database, if it exists, and for details on any plans to create one.