ICE denies having a protester database. But a letter to Congress sheds more light
The Department of Homeland Security has denied having a database tracking US citizen protesters, but a letter to Congress reveals that the agency collects information on individuals suspected of potential violations of law. The letter, written by the acting ICE director, acknowledges that ICE maintains records on people who were never arrested, including those who interact with ICE officers at protests. The collection of information on protesters has raised concerns among civil liberties experts, who argue that it may be used to intimidate or track individuals who are exercising their right to free speech.
- ▪ICE has denied having a database of protesters, but a letter to Congress reveals that the agency collects information on individuals suspected of potential violations of law.
- ▪The agency maintains records on people who were never arrested, including those who interact with ICE officers at protests.
- ▪The collection of information on protesters has raised concerns among civil liberties experts, who argue that it may be used to intimidate or track individuals who are exercising their right to free speech.
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Exclusive Politics ICE denies having a protester database. But a letter to Congress sheds more light June 10, 20266:00 AM ET By Jude Joffe-Block Demonstrators attend an anti-ICE rally in Lewiston, Maine on January 24, 2026. Federal officials have acknowledged collecting information on some protesters, even as they deny maintaining a database tracking U.S. citizens. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images Last January, when federal immigration agents started an immigration crackdown in Portland, Maine, pediatric occupational therapist Xenia Pantos was driving using their spouse's car to work when they saw masked federal agents and vehicles with tinted windows parked in the road.
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