GoKawiilDHS unit sent 185,000 administrative subpoenas since Trump took office, filing shows
A court filing in an EFF Freedom of Information Act lawsuit reveals that Homeland Security Investigations, ICE's investigative arm, estimates it has issued roughly 185,000 administrative subpoenas since January 2025. These subpoenas let the agency demand records without a judge's approval or grand jury process. The EFF had sought data specifically on subpoenas sent to tech companies and service providers, but it remains unclear whether the 185,000 figure covers only those requests or a broader set of investigations.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Administrative subpoenas require no court oversight, meaning DHS can compel companies to hand over customer data without explaining its justification to a judge, which civil liberties advocates argue invites abuse. The scale cited—comparable to six and a half years of customs summonses issued under a prior administration—suggests a sharp escalation in use of this tool, according to EFF's deputy legal director Aaron Mackey, who says the group is seeking more clarity on what the number actually represents. Past examples, such as efforts to identify anonymous online critics or retailer customers linked to protests, indicate the power could extend well beyond its traditional anti-smuggling purpose.
- HSI estimates sending about 185,000 administrative subpoenas since Trump's inauguration in January 2025.
- The figure emerged from an EFF FOIA lawsuit seeking details on subpoenas sent to tech and service companies.
- These subpoenas bypass court or grand jury review, raising concerns about unchecked surveillance power.
Source: wired.com — Maddy Varner, 2026-11-09
Published there as: “DHS Has Used This Controversial Investigative Tool 185,000 Times Since Trump Took Office”
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