DHS Demands Google Data on Canadian Over Anti-ICE Posts
Original: DHS Demanded Google Surrender Data on Canadian’s Activity, Location Over Anti-ICE Posts
Why This Matters
Highlights potential government overreach using trade laws to surveil foreign nationals' online activities
Department of Homeland Security used a 1930s customs law to demand Google surrender location and activity data of a Canadian man who criticized immigration agents online following killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The man hasn't entered the US in over a decade.
DHS issued a customs summons to Google requesting location information and activity logs of an unnamed Canadian man who posted anti-ICE content on X after federal immigration agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis earlier this year. The man's ACLU lawyers filed a lawsuit against DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, arguing the agency violated customs law by using the Tariff Act of 1930 to obtain data outside its jurisdiction. The administrative subpoena requires no judicial review and covered September 2025 to February 2026, though lawyers say their client imported nothing from the US during this period. Google notified the man on February 9 despite DHS requesting indefinite non-disclosure. Former CBP attorney Chris Duncan says customs summons should only investigate import duties and compliance, not online activities.