Trump's Terms Lawsuit alleges DHS intimidates observers
Feb 24, 2026
Jude Joffe-Block, NPR reporter who covers immigration and legal battles, walks through a Maine lawsuit accusing DHS of surveilling and intimidating people who film immigration operations. She breaks down the legal claims and on-the-ground incidents. Listeners hear about recordings of agents, allegations of being labeled domestic terrorists, and questions about how images and data are collected and used.
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Observer Filmed Being Told She's A Domestic Terrorist
- Colleen Fagan recorded federal immigration agents who then seemed to record her and said, we have a nice little database and now you're considered a domestic terrorist.
- Her video showing an agent hold up a phone to her face and another apparently record her license plate was widely shared and prompted congressional questions.
DHS Denial Contrasts With Reporting On Protester Data
- DHS denies running a database of domestic terrorists but confirms it monitors and refers threats and says its methods follow the Constitution.
- The exchange in Fagan's video reached Congress and media reported memos suggesting DHS collects information on protesters, raising questions about what data is retained.
Expect Chilling Effects From Government Data Collection
- The lawsuit argues collecting observers' data chills free speech and can deter people from filming law enforcement in the future.
- Attorney Joanna Suriani says being added to federal records can cause fears about travel, employment, and future willingness to observe.