US Lawmakers Slam DHS for Using Customs Authority to Unmask Whistleblowers
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has condemned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for abusing its authority under customs law to unmask individuals monitoring immigration agents on social media. This move, part of an attempt by former President Donald Trump's administration to silence critics, has sparked outrage among lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Wyden accused the agency of "manifestly improper use" of its customs investigatory authority to identify the owners of Instagram and Facebook accounts tracking immigration authorities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The move followed an earlier attempt by CBP to unmask the operator of a Twitter account critical of Trump's administration.
The controversy highlights the long-standing concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to suppress dissenting voices. In 2017, an investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General found that CBP had issued a summons to Twitter based on its authority for customs duties, despite having no connection to the importation of merchandise or tariffs. The agency agreed to reforms aimed at ensuring that such abuse does not recur.
This latest development has sparked fears about the erosion of civil liberties in the United States. Lawmakers have long been critical of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, which have included ignoring court orders and putting loyalists in charge of key agencies.
The Intercept has highlighted the need for strong press freedom to defend democracy against such threats. As an independent news organization, it relies on support from readers like you to continue its vital work.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has condemned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for abusing its authority under customs law to unmask individuals monitoring immigration agents on social media. This move, part of an attempt by former President Donald Trump's administration to silence critics, has sparked outrage among lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Wyden accused the agency of "manifestly improper use" of its customs investigatory authority to identify the owners of Instagram and Facebook accounts tracking immigration authorities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The move followed an earlier attempt by CBP to unmask the operator of a Twitter account critical of Trump's administration.
The controversy highlights the long-standing concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to suppress dissenting voices. In 2017, an investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General found that CBP had issued a summons to Twitter based on its authority for customs duties, despite having no connection to the importation of merchandise or tariffs. The agency agreed to reforms aimed at ensuring that such abuse does not recur.
This latest development has sparked fears about the erosion of civil liberties in the United States. Lawmakers have long been critical of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, which have included ignoring court orders and putting loyalists in charge of key agencies.
The Intercept has highlighted the need for strong press freedom to defend democracy against such threats. As an independent news organization, it relies on support from readers like you to continue its vital work.
! I mean, can't believe our gov's using customs law to track down people speaking out against them 
. It's like they think we're living in a dystopian novel or something. And to make matters worse, it's just another example of Trump's "us vs them" mentality 
. I mean, what's next? Unmasking gamers who complain about lag online 
?
. We need to make sure that our gov's not abusing its power and silencing dissenting voices 
. It's all about finding that balance between keeping us safe and respecting our freedoms 
.
. We need more folks like Senator Wyden speaking out against this kind of abuse and fighting for what's right 
.
. I mean, what's next? Using police powers to monitor online activity? No thanks 
.
. First, you got the CBP trying to unmask some Twitter user, then the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem jumps in and makes it even worse... It's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse with civil liberties 
.
. As someone who loves layout and structure, I can tell you that this is just a big ol' mess 
.
The thought of the government snooping on us just to silence critics is totally unsettling. And it's crazy how they're trying to abuse their power again after everything that went down with Trump's admin 
. I'm all for a free press, you know? That's what keeps our democracy alive 
. Can't let them get away with silencing whistleblowers and independent journalists... gotta stand up for what's right, even if it means taking a stand against the powers that be 
but anyway what's going on with these US lawmakers and DHS? they're basically saying that Trump's people were trying to stifle critics and it's really messed up 
I don't get how they thought it was a good idea to use customs authority to unmask ppl... like isn't that just super invasive? 
we gotta stand up for our civil liberties, no matter what 
and btw, why does cbp even need to use customs law to track immigration agents on social media? isn't that a huge overreach? 
It's like they think they're above the law 
and got away with it 
. I'm glad Senator Wyden is speaking out 
and make sure the government doesn't abuse its power 
. Can we please just have some transparency and accountability? 
And what's next? Are they gonna start using that power to silence scientists who disagree with their policies or journalists who expose corruption? No way, man! We need strong press freedom and a free press to hold those in power accountable. 
. We need better checks and balances, not just more hand-wringing about "civil liberties" 
. The government should be protecting our civil liberties, not abusing their power to silence us 
. It's like, what's next? Are they gonna start using tax law to monitor ppl's online activity? 
. I mean, it's crazy that they're using customs law to silence whistleblowers! Like, what's next? Using it to track down people who tweet about their lunches 
. And hey, maybe this whole thing will lead to some positive change? Like, better safeguards to protect whistleblowers and prevent abuse of power 
. A girl can dream, right? 