Lawsuit claims DHS is systematically intimidating ICE observers : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-09-10 16:07:00 — www.npr.org
A new federal lawsuit is challenging policies and actions from the Trump administration that observers say targeted and intimidated those monitoring immigration enforcement operations. The suit, filed by Minneapolis resident Michael Khalili and the nonprofit Common Cause, alleges that directives issued under President Trump—including National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7)—linked impeding immigration enforcement and extreme views on migration to domestic terrorism. This memo served as the basis for federal investigations and surveillance of activists in Minnesota, which ultimately led to criminal charges against 15 people for conspiracy to impede ICE.
The lawsuit draws on public statements and internal memos from the Trump administration that equate observers who record federal officers with “violent rioters” and “domestic terrorists,” arguing that these communications established a national policy of retaliation against peaceful observers. The complaint also points out that the Trump administration repealed guardrails that could have prevented federal officers from using facial recognition and license plate readers against observers, and dismantled the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
The legal action highlights a pattern of intimidation, including threats of force or arrest, collection of personal information, use of force, pursuit of criminal charges, and civil penalties such as revoking Global Entry or TSA PreCheck status. The suit contends that these actions violate the First Amendment and privacy rights of those observing immigration enforcement, and seeks a national injunction to prevent further retaliation.
The case underscores the far-reaching impact of Trump-era policies on civil liberties, particularly for those seeking to hold the government accountable. As the lawsuit moves forward, it raises critical questions about the balance between national security directives and the constitutional rights of citizens to observe and document government actions.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/10/nx-s1-5961220/dhs-ice-observers-surveillance-lawsuit