A resident of upstate New York, David Streever, received a warning from federal officers about his online activities criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Streever sent an email to Todd Lyons, the then-acting director of ICE, after an immigration officer shot Renee Good during an anti-ICE demonstration in Minneapolis. In this email, Streever labeled Lyons a ‘monstrous human being’ and stated he ‘will never know peace.’
While Streever was in Finland, two officers visited his home, delivering a warning notice to his wife. Attempts were also made by federal agents to reach Streever at a New York City hotel, but they were turned away by the staff, said Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression representing Streever.
The same week, Paigelynne Gonyea, a poll worker from Syracuse, was confronted by federal officers during New York’s primaries over a social media post. She had criticized the ICE officer involved in Good’s shooting. Gonyea’s post included a picture of Jonathan Ross, the officer, stating ‘I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted.’
ICE declined to comment due to an ongoing investigation but stated it investigates all credible threats towards its employees, including threats to the ICE Director. Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, mentioned Gonyea allegedly shared Ross’s address on social media, which constitutes a federal crime. Gonyea’s post has since been scrutinized and remains partially redacted online.
Free speech advocates argue these actions infringe on privacy and free expression. Nathan Freed Wessler of the ACLU highlighted that the First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize government officials. Citizens should not face retaliation from federal agents for expressing frustration or opposition to government activities, he emphasized.
Streever expressed his disbelief over the federal officers’ visit, stating his letter of outrage was meant to protest the Minnesota shootings. He has not reached out to the Department of Homeland Security since the warning and plans no further contact, according to Steinbaugh.
The New York Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the interaction involving Gonyea. These situations exemplify concerns about federal enforcement’s impact on free speech, Wessler noted, calling them a misuse of power aimed at deterring constitutionally protected speech.