ICE Internal Watchdog Investigates Online Critics
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ICE Internal Watchdog Investigates Online Critics
- The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the internal watchdog for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has initiated over 100 investigations into alleged "doxing and threats" targeting ICE employees.
- One notable incident in June 2026 involved Syracuse poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea, who was confronted by federal agents regarding a social media post she made in January.
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The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the internal oversight body for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has reportedly opened more than 100 cases concerning alleged “doxing and threats” directed at ICE employees. This development comes amidst heightened scrutiny of online speech critical of the agency. The OPR’s mandate includes upholding professional standards through security, inspections, and investigations to promote organizational health, integrity, and accountability within ICE.
A specific incident gaining attention involved Paigelynne Gonyea, a poll worker in Syracuse, New York. In June 2026, Gonyea stated that federal officers approached her at a polling place during New York’s primary elections. The agents reportedly questioned her about an Instagram post from January where she had identified Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Gonyea’s post, which credited a news organization for identifying Ross, stated, “I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted!”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE’s parent agency, has asserted that Gonyea “committed a federal crime by posting the address of an ICE law enforcement officer online,” and that “doxxing federal law enforcement officers is a federal crime.” DHS also stated that if officers are doxxed, investigations will ensue. Gonyea, however, denies publishing private information and maintains her post is protected under the First Amendment. She has indicated no plans to remove the post. This interaction has raised concerns about civil liberties and freedom of speech, with some critics suggesting such actions by ICE could be intended to silence dissent. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit against DHS and ICE in April 2026, seeking public records regarding the agencies’ use of