“Capture it all”: ICE urged to explain memo about collecting info on protesters

Senator Edward J. Markey, representing Massachusetts, has called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to confirm or deny the existence of a controversial database purportedly cataloging U.S. citizens who protest against the agency's immigration policies. In a letter addressed to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Markey raised serious concerns about allegations that a 'domestic terrorists' database is being compiled, which he asserts would pose a significant violation of constitutional rights. Markey stated, "If such a database exists, it would constitute a grave and unacceptable constitutional violation." He urged immediate action to either confirm the database's existence or dismantle it if it is real. The senator emphasized that creating a registry of peaceful protesters would not only infringe upon First Amendment rights but could also reflect tactics typically associated with authoritarian regimes, such as those seen in China and Russia. In his correspondence, Markey referenced previous statements from DHS officials indicating that the agency is actively engaged in monitoring and intimidating individuals who participate in peaceful demonstrations. He cited comments made by former Trump administration official Tom Homan, who suggested creating a database to publicly identify individuals arrested during protests. Markey described Homan's remarks as "especially alarming," particularly in light of incidents where individuals have reportedly been arrested simply for protesting ICE. The senator also highlighted a recent event in Portland, Maine, where an ICE agent allegedly informed a bystander that they were now classified as a 'domestic terrorist' for filming their actions. This growing concern over the government's treatment of peaceful protestors raises important questions about civil liberties and the boundaries of law enforcement's powers in the United States.