#doj-weaponization

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#ice
NYC parents
fromWIRED
1 week ago

Why ICE Is Allowed to Impersonate Law Enforcement

ICE agents misled campus security to detain a student without proper identification or judicial warrant.
US politics
fromTechCrunch
5 days ago

ICE says it bought Paragon's spyware to use in drug trafficking cases | TechCrunch

ICE has utilized spyware from Paragon Solutions to combat drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations' use of encrypted communications.
US politics
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

ICE confirms it deployed Paragon spyware inside the United States for drug trafficking cases - Silicon Canals

ICE is using commercial spyware domestically, raising constitutional concerns about warrantless surveillance and lack of oversight.
US politics
fromThe Atlantic
1 week ago

ICE Might Be Violating America's Other Bill of Rights

ICE and CBP have faced criticism for excessive force and violations of rights, prompting legal challenges under the Fourth Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
NYC parents
fromWIRED
1 week ago

Why ICE Is Allowed to Impersonate Law Enforcement

ICE agents misled campus security to detain a student without proper identification or judicial warrant.
US politics
fromTechCrunch
5 days ago

ICE says it bought Paragon's spyware to use in drug trafficking cases | TechCrunch

ICE has utilized spyware from Paragon Solutions to combat drug trafficking and foreign terrorist organizations' use of encrypted communications.
US politics
fromSilicon Canals
5 days ago

ICE confirms it deployed Paragon spyware inside the United States for drug trafficking cases - Silicon Canals

ICE is using commercial spyware domestically, raising constitutional concerns about warrantless surveillance and lack of oversight.
US politics
fromThe Atlantic
1 week ago

ICE Might Be Violating America's Other Bill of Rights

ICE and CBP have faced criticism for excessive force and violations of rights, prompting legal challenges under the Fourth Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Right-wing politics
fromTruthout
10 hours ago

Trump's Budget Request Includes Funding an FBI Anti-"Domestic Terrorism" Center

Trump's budget includes a significant increase in counterterrorism funding and establishes an FBI-led center to identify domestic terrorists.
#fbi
Privacy professionals
fromNextgov.com
4 days ago

Suspected Chinese breach of FBI system exposed surveillance targets' phone numbers

A breach linked to China exposed phone numbers of FBI surveillance targets, raising concerns about counterintelligence risks.
US politics
fromAdvocate.com
4 days ago

Did the FBI just post this propaganda video to save Kash Patel's job?

The FBI released a video celebrating Director Kash Patel's first year, criticized as propaganda for its cinematic portrayal of law enforcement successes.
Privacy professionals
fromSecuritymagazine
2 days ago

Breach of FBI Surveillance System Considered a "Major Incident," Security Experts Weigh In

FBI confirms major breach of surveillance system, exposing sensitive data and potentially revealing criminal probes and surveillance targets.
Privacy professionals
fromTechRepublic
4 days ago

FBI Declares Surveillance System Breach a 'Major Incident'

A China-linked breach of an FBI surveillance system has been classified as a major incident, posing significant risks to US national security.
Privacy professionals
fromNextgov.com
4 days ago

Suspected Chinese breach of FBI system exposed surveillance targets' phone numbers

A breach linked to China exposed phone numbers of FBI surveillance targets, raising concerns about counterintelligence risks.
US politics
fromAdvocate.com
4 days ago

Did the FBI just post this propaganda video to save Kash Patel's job?

The FBI released a video celebrating Director Kash Patel's first year, criticized as propaganda for its cinematic portrayal of law enforcement successes.
#surveillance
California
fromCalifornia Post
9 hours ago

Creepy secret spy cameras are found hidden outside California homes - as terrifying warning issued

Hidden spy cameras are being discovered outside homes in Los Angeles County, likely used by burglars to monitor homeowners.
SF politics
fromNextgov.com
5 days ago

Single-member surveillance watchdog backs 702 powers, raising independence questions

The report praises Section 702's intelligence value while raising concerns about civil liberties and compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
California
fromCalifornia Post
9 hours ago

Creepy secret spy cameras are found hidden outside California homes - as terrifying warning issued

Hidden spy cameras are being discovered outside homes in Los Angeles County, likely used by burglars to monitor homeowners.
SF politics
fromNextgov.com
5 days ago

Single-member surveillance watchdog backs 702 powers, raising independence questions

The report praises Section 702's intelligence value while raising concerns about civil liberties and compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
#first-amendment
Law
fromNieman Lab
7 hours ago

Federal appeals court supports injunction against ICE in L.A. Press Club lawsuit

A federal judge ruled to limit DHS's use of force against journalists and protesters during ICE raids, affirming First Amendment rights.
US politics
fromElectronic Frontier Foundation
4 days ago

The FAA's "Temporary" Flight Restriction for Drones is a Blatant Attempt to Criminalize Filming ICE

The Trump administration's flight restriction limits the First Amendment right to record law enforcement using drones near ICE and CBP vehicles.
Law
fromNieman Lab
7 hours ago

Federal appeals court supports injunction against ICE in L.A. Press Club lawsuit

A federal judge ruled to limit DHS's use of force against journalists and protesters during ICE raids, affirming First Amendment rights.
US politics
fromElectronic Frontier Foundation
4 days ago

The FAA's "Temporary" Flight Restriction for Drones is a Blatant Attempt to Criminalize Filming ICE

The Trump administration's flight restriction limits the First Amendment right to record law enforcement using drones near ICE and CBP vehicles.
#steve-bannon
US Elections
fromFortune
1 day ago

Supreme Court throws out ruling upholding Steve Bannon's contempt of Congress conviction | Fortune

Steve Bannon's Supreme Court order may lead to the dismissal of his criminal conviction for defying a congressional subpoena.
US politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Steve Bannon appears likely to have criminal conviction dismissed

Steve Bannon's criminal conviction may be dismissed by the US Supreme Court, following a motion from the Trump administration.
US Elections
fromFortune
1 day ago

Supreme Court throws out ruling upholding Steve Bannon's contempt of Congress conviction | Fortune

Steve Bannon's Supreme Court order may lead to the dismissal of his criminal conviction for defying a congressional subpoena.
US politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Steve Bannon appears likely to have criminal conviction dismissed

Steve Bannon's criminal conviction may be dismissed by the US Supreme Court, following a motion from the Trump administration.
Information security
fromNextgov.com
1 day ago

Government official impersonation scam complaints doubled in 2025, FBI report shows

Complaints of government impersonation scams nearly doubled from 2024 to 2025, resulting in approximately $800 million in losses.
NYC parents
fromwww.amny.com
1 day ago

Op-Ed | Albany's online safety' bill incentivizes surveillance, chills free expression | amNewYork

New York's budget process risks limiting input on a proposal that threatens privacy, youth safety, and free expression.
#us-secret-service
#privacy
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
9 hours ago

New AG Todd Blanche Fumes Over Question About Weaponization' of DOJ Against Trump Enemies

The Justice Department was allegedly weaponized by Biden against Trump, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Social media marketing
fromWIRED
6 days ago

The New Era of Militia Influencers

The rise of social media influencers is reshaping the American militia movement, focusing on tactical gear and online presence over traditional activism.
Law
fromABA Journal
5 days ago

Sanctions ramping up in cases involving AI hallucinations

Monetary sanctions against attorneys for AI-generated hallucinations in case documents are increasing as courts take these issues more seriously.
NYC parents
fromwww.mediaite.com
5 days ago

Feds Storm NYC Councilmember's Home, Seize Devices in Pre-Dawn Raid

Federal agents raided the homes of Councilmember Farah Louis and her sister as part of a corruption investigation into migrant shelter contracts.
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
5 hours ago

Blanche Appears to Confirm DOJ Is Investigating Rescue Leak, Day After Trump Threatened to Jail Journo

An investigation into leaks of classified information regarding a downed airman is confirmed, with potential legal actions against reporters involved.
US Elections
fromKqed
5 days ago

California Media Seek Access to Secret Warrants in Sheriff's Ballot Seizure Case | KQED

Sheriff Bianco obtained warrants to investigate ballot discrepancies in Riverside County, but the investigation is currently on hold due to legal challenges.
Artificial intelligence
fromNextgov.com
6 days ago

Old-school spycraft could make a comeback as AI undermines trust

AI may enhance intelligence gathering but also revive traditional espionage methods due to reliability issues with digital communications.
fromwww.mediaite.com
6 days ago

Irrelevant?' Justice Alito Grills ACLU Lawyer Over Key Precedent in Citizenship Case

Ask any American what our citizenship rule is and they'll tell you, everyone born here is a citizen alike. That rule was enshrined in the 14th Amendment to put it out of reach of any government official to destroy.
Social justice
Privacy professionals
fromTechCrunch
1 day ago

Convicted spyware maker Bryan Fleming avoids jail at sentencing | TechCrunch

Bryan Fleming, the first convicted spyware maker in over a decade, received no jail time after pleading guilty to federal charges related to his surveillance company.
Intellectual property law
fromNextgov.com
1 week ago

Judge blocks DOD's ban on Anthropic, calls it First Amendment retaliation

A federal judge temporarily blocked the government's ban on Anthropic, citing retaliation and due process violations by the Defense Department.
#trump
US politics
fromTruthout
11 hours ago

Trump Threatens Journalists With Jail Over Reporting on Airman Rescue

Trump threatened to jail reporters if they do not reveal a leaker regarding a missing U.S. airman in Iran.
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
1 day ago

Key Journo Defiant Amid Trump Hunt For Leaker: I Will Protect My Sources'

Trump threatens journalist over source related to Iran airman rescue, emphasizing national security and potential jail time for non-compliance.
US politics
fromTruthout
11 hours ago

Trump Threatens Journalists With Jail Over Reporting on Airman Rescue

Trump threatened to jail reporters if they do not reveal a leaker regarding a missing U.S. airman in Iran.
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
1 day ago

Key Journo Defiant Amid Trump Hunt For Leaker: I Will Protect My Sources'

Trump threatens journalist over source related to Iran airman rescue, emphasizing national security and potential jail time for non-compliance.
Privacy professionals
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Creepy surveillance': why some cities are shutting down Flock cameras amid privacy concerns

Residents of Dunwoody, Georgia, are protesting the city's contract with Flock Safety over privacy concerns and data ownership issues.
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
9 hours ago

Democrat Trump Tried to Indict Over Illegal Orders' Video Doubles Down After Whole Civilization' Threat

Elissa Slotkin condemns Trump's threats against Iran, emphasizing the legal and ethical obligations of military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
#dhs
fromemptywheel
2 months ago
US politics

DOJ Continues to Let DHS Pick and Choose Screen Shots Pertaining to Their Assaults - emptywheel

fromEngadget
1 month ago
US politics

Homeland Security has reportedly sent out hundreds of subpoenas to identify ICE critics online

US politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
14 hours ago

Democrats accuse ICE of creating disappearances' on US soil

Lawmakers claim DHS's unreliable detainee locator system is causing disappearances of individuals detained by immigration authorities.
US politics
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

DHS attorney said agents in Los Angeles should have 'started hitting' protesters, emails show

A DHS attorney suggested using force against protesters during an anti-ICE demonstration in Los Angeles, advocating for mass arrests of those unable to escape.
fromemptywheel
2 months ago
US politics

DOJ Continues to Let DHS Pick and Choose Screen Shots Pertaining to Their Assaults - emptywheel

fromEngadget
1 month ago
US politics

Homeland Security has reportedly sent out hundreds of subpoenas to identify ICE critics online

US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
1 day ago

JUST IN: Supreme Court Sides With Steve Bannon, Leading to Possible Dismissal of His Contempt of Congress Conviction

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Steve Bannon, potentially leading to the dismissal of his contempt of Congress conviction.
#doj
fromWIRED
1 day ago
US politics

The DOJ Misled a Judge About How It's Using Voter Roll Data

The DOJ is analyzing voter data to identify irregularities, contradicting earlier claims of keeping it separate and not conducting analysis.
fromEngadget
1 month ago
US politics

The Morning After: DOJ may face investigation over removal of ICE agent tracking apps

House Judiciary Committee requests DOJ communications with Apple and Google regarding removal of apps that shared sightings of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
US politics
fromWIRED
1 day ago

The DOJ Misled a Judge About How It's Using Voter Roll Data

The DOJ is analyzing voter data to identify irregularities, contradicting earlier claims of keeping it separate and not conducting analysis.
fromEngadget
1 month ago
US politics

The Morning After: DOJ may face investigation over removal of ICE agent tracking apps

US politics
fromwww.npr.org
4 days ago

As DOJ prepares to share state voter data with DHS, a key privacy officer resigns

The DOJ is acquiring sensitive voter registration data, raising privacy concerns, as a key privacy officer resigns amid ongoing legal challenges.
US news
fromThe Washington Post
1 month ago

DHS's use of secretive legal weapon draws congressional scrutiny

Homeland Security is using administrative subpoenas to target Americans who criticize the agency, chilling free speech and First Amendment protections.
US politics
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

The loophole that keeps a Trump loyalist serving as L.A.'s top federal prosecutor

Bill Essayli operates as a de facto U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, pursuing aggressive legal actions aligned with Trump's administration despite challenges to his position.
US politics
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

'Amateur hour at the U.S. attorney's office': L.A. prosecutors face more losses in protest cases

Prosecutors faced significant challenges in two separate trials for assault on federal officers in Los Angeles, with one case potentially dismissed due to discovery issues.
#fbi-surveillance
Privacy professionals
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Why is the FBI buying people's location data and how is it using the information?

The FBI resumes purchasing commercially available location data on Americans, circumventing warrant requirements and Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless surveillance.
fromCNET
2 weeks ago
Privacy professionals

FBI Confirms Buying Data That Could Be Used to Track Americans

Privacy professionals
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Why is the FBI buying people's location data and how is it using the information?

The FBI resumes purchasing commercially available location data on Americans, circumventing warrant requirements and Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless surveillance.
Privacy professionals
fromCNET
2 weeks ago

FBI Confirms Buying Data That Could Be Used to Track Americans

FBI Director Kash Patel admitted under oath that the agency purchases commercially available data to track Americans, circumventing Fourth Amendment protections without warrants.
Privacy professionals
fromTheregister
2 weeks ago

Patel dodges question about FBI buying location data

FBI Director Kash Patel admitted the agency purchases commercially available information from data brokers, potentially including location data, which Senator Wyden argues violates the Fourth Amendment without warrant requirements.
Privacy professionals
fromEngadget
2 weeks ago

Don't be surprised that the FBI is buying your location data

The FBI purchases location data from advertising companies to track US citizens, circumventing Fourth Amendment protections established in Carpenter v. United States.
US politics
fromwww.mediaite.com
5 days ago

Eric Swalwell Addresses Claim That Pam Bondi Was Fired for Leaking Info to Him

Rep. Eric Swalwell denied claims that Attorney General Pam Bondi leaked information to him regarding an investigation into his past.
US politics
fromThe Atlantic
5 days ago

The Next Attorney General Has an Impossible Job

Donald Trump has reverted to firing Cabinet members, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, due to perceived failures in handling political issues.
US politics
fromAxios
6 days ago

Exclusive: Trump's DOJ says he's not required to turn over official records

The Presidential Records Act mandates that presidential records belong to the U.S. government, a law Trump has challenged by retaining documents.
#federal-workforce
#immigration-enforcement
US politics
fromABC7 San Francisco
6 days ago

CA senators demand answers from DHS after ICE arrest tied to TSA data at San Francisco Airport

Senators Padilla and Schiff demand answers from DHS regarding TSA data use for immigration enforcement after an airport arrest.
US politics
fromABC7 San Francisco
6 days ago

CA senators demand answers from DHS after ICE arrest tied to TSA data at San Francisco Airport

Senators Padilla and Schiff demand answers from DHS regarding TSA data use for immigration enforcement after an airport arrest.
US politics
fromWIRED
2 weeks ago

Confessions of the ICE Agent Whisperer

Independent journalist Karl Loftus interviews anonymous DHS immigration enforcement agents through his project 'Confessions of an ICE Agent,' providing rare insight into officers' perspectives during Trump's immigration enforcement surge.
Information security
fromEmptywheel
2 months ago

I Con the Record Admits All This Spying Also Serves Counterintelligence

The Intelligence Community uses online anonymity and networking tools to collect foreign intelligence, including counterintelligence and cybersecurity, while asserting legal limits on targeting US citizens.
Privacy professionals
fromWIRED
3 weeks ago

US Lawmakers Move to Kill the FBI's Warrantless Wiretap Access

Bipartisan Congress members introduced legislation requiring FBI warrants for backdoor searches of Americans' communications, aligning with a 2025 federal court ruling against warrantless surveillance practices.
#press-freedom
Privacy professionals
fromNextgov.com
3 weeks ago

FBI queries of Americans' data under FISA 702 rose 35% in 2025

FBI searches of Americans' data collected under Section 702 of FISA increased 35% from December 2024 to November 2025, while the percentage of searches returning relevant information declined significantly.
Law
fromEmptywheel
2 months ago

DOJ Inspector General Investigating DEA's Use of Parallel Construction under Hemisphere

DOJ OIG investigates DEA use of administrative subpoenas, focusing on Hemisphere's bulk phone records, geolocation collection, and use of parallel construction to conceal methods.
US news
fromPoynter
2 months ago

Recording immigration agents in public is a constitutional right. Here's what the law says. - Poynter

Recording immigration agents in public is protected but contested, with federal claims of criminality clashing with First Amendment protections and courts questioning DHS policies.
Law
fromEmptywheel
2 months ago

Exigent Letters Timeline

FBI relied on exigent letters, NSLs, and Section 215 orders with telecom cooperation from 2002–2008, prompting procedural changes, investigations, and oversight actions.
Law
fromWIRED
2 months ago

US Judge Rules ICE Raids Require Judicial Warrants, Contradicting Secret ICE Memo

ICE agents entered a Minnesota home without a judge-signed warrant, and a federal judge held that the entry violated the Fourth Amendment.
fromTechCrunch
1 month ago

Hacktivists claim to have hacked Homeland Security to release ICE contract data | TechCrunch

Why hack the DHS? I can think of a couple Pretti Good reasons! I'm releasing this because the DHS is killing us and people deserve to know which companies support them and what they're working on.
Privacy professionals
fromFuturism
1 month ago

The Department of Homeland Security Is Demanding That Google Turn Over Information About Random Critics

"Don't play Russian roulette with [this man's] life," Jon told lead DHS prosecutor, Joseph Dernbach, in the email. "Err on the side of caution. There's a reason the US government along with many other governments don't recognise the Taliban. Apply principles of common sense and decency." Five hours later, per WaPo, Jon received a response - not from Dernbach or the DHS, but from Google.
Privacy professionals
US politics
fromSlate Magazine
2 months ago

The Frightening, Very Real Tool ICE Agents Have to Add You to a "Nice Little Database" if You Attend a Protest

Federal agencies, led by DHS, have expanded use of administrative subpoena power to access individuals' information and track protesters without judicial oversight.
US politics
fromNextgov.com
1 month ago

FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using 'assessment' authority, watchdog report says

FBI assessments examined over 1,000 journalists, religious groups, politicians and others using intelligence tools without needing a criminal predicate or warrant-level evidence.
US politics
fromElectronic Frontier Foundation
2 months ago

Protecting Our Right to Sue Federal Agents Who Violate the Constitution

Federal agents increasingly evade constitutional accountability; new statutes like California S.B. 747 are needed to enable damages lawsuits against federal officials.
fromNextgov.com
2 months ago

Domestic surveillance fears loom over Congress debate to renew spying power

While the authority is legally limited to foreign intelligence, it can sweep in Americans' texts, emails and phone calls when they communicate with overseas targets. Those incidental collections - which have sometimes been followed by unauthorized searches of Americans' communications - have been extensively documented by government oversight bodies in recent years. The findings fueled reforms adopted when Congress last renewed the authority in April 2024.
US politics
fromEmptywheel
2 months ago

Warrants for Innocent People Are Not Like Warrants for Suspects

As you know, Section 215 authorities are not interpreted in the same way that grand jury subpoena authorities are, and we are concerned that when Justice Department officials suggest that the two authorities are 'analogous' they provide the public with a false understanding of how surveillance is interpreted in practice.
US politics
fromTechCrunch
1 month ago

Homeland Security reportedly sent hundreds of subpoenas seeking to unmask anti-ICE accounts | TechCrunch

DHS increasingly uses administrative subpoenas to compel tech platforms to identify anonymous social media accounts that criticize ICE or reveal locations of ICE agents.
fromEsquire
2 months ago

The DOJ Is About to Embark on Trump's Vengeance Safari

[Pam Bondi] said the [Weaponization Working Group] would focus on investigations into Trump conducted by former special counsel Jack Smith and his staff; Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James; and any "improper" investigations into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. But after a year, the group has not produced anything publicly.
US politics
US politics
fromEmptywheel
2 months ago

Surprise! DOJ IG's 1,403 Day Old Section 215 Investigation Had a Baby!

A DOJ OIG investigation into FBI use of Section 215, NSLs, and pen registers has been ongoing since 2010 and remains unresolved after 1,403 days.
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