DHS is using obscure law to snoop on journalists, non-profits, unions

The Trump administration has been employing an obscure legal tactic to obtain private information from social media and telecommunications companies, even after judges have rejected similar attempts. This method, which was used in a case involving journalist Georgia Fort, allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to request data without judicial oversight.

In one instance, the government obtained six months of telephone records for Fort, a Minneapolis journalist, without notifying her or providing her an opportunity to contest the request. The DHS utilized an administrative summons based on an obscure provision of federal law, claiming it needed the information to investigate customs issues.

However, legal experts argue that this is an improper use of the subpoena, as it does not relate to customs violations or immigration matters. The DHS has obtained similar data from other journalists, non-profits, and unions, raising concerns over the power the government has asserted in this matter.