On Friday, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) began investigating online critics, including a poll worker in Syracuse, New York. The inquiry followed allegations that the worker, Paigelynne Gonyea, had made a post online that allegedly doxxed an ICE agent. This incident highlights the agency's increasing scrutiny of civilians expressing dissenting opinions.
Background on the Investigation
During the primaries in June, ICE agents approached Gonyea at a polling site concerning an Instagram post she made in January. The post referenced Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent involved in the shooting of Renee Good during a federal operation in Minneapolis. Gonyea stated, “My signature would have been an admission of guilt,” when asked to sign a warning notice.
According to Gonyea, the OPR’s involvement in her case raised concerns about the agency's priorities. OPR, which is tasked with internal investigations and oversight, appears to be increasingly focused on monitoring civilians for their online activities.
ICE's Growing Focus on Civilians
Recent reports indicate that OPR has shifted its focus towards investigating public criticism of ICE agents. A court declaration from an ICE official revealed that between January 2025 and March 2026, OPR investigated 131 cases involving doxing and threats against ICE personnel across the nation. It remains unclear how many of these investigations led to criminal charges.
- 131 cases of doxing and threats investigated by OPR
- One notable case involved harassment of an ICE attorney
- OPR's focus has expanded to include online critics
Gonyea's situation reflects a broader trend of increased governmental scrutiny on individuals expressing dissent, particularly via social media platforms. Legal experts argue that such actions may infringe on First Amendment rights.
Concerns Over First Amendment Rights
Experts have raised alarms about the implications of OPR's investigations. Laura Moraff, an attorney at the ACLU, commented, “People do have a First Amendment right to criticize the government and to do that online and to do that anonymously.” This sentiment echoes concerns that OPR's tactics may stifle legitimate discourse and dissent.
Furthermore, the agency's attempts to redefine doxing to include lawful activities, such as documenting ICE agents performing their duties, has drawn criticism. In a recent update, the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged it collects information on individuals making credible threats against ICE personnel.
The agency's shifting priorities have raised questions about its ability to fulfill its core responsibilities, such as inspecting detention facilities. An analysis showed a decline in inspection reports, with only 102 reports published in 2025, down from 192 the previous year.
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