Trump’s DHS is using an obscure law to secretly snoop on journalists, non-profits and unions: ‘It’s outrageous’

The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly been utilizing an obscure customs law, 19 USC 1509, to secretly obtain private information from journalists, non-profit organizations, and labor unions. This tactic has been employed to gather data, including telephone and financial records, without judicial oversight, even after judges have rejected similar governmental requests through other legal avenues. Critics, including former DHS lawyers, assert that the cited law is being misused, as it is intended for customs issues and bears no relevance to domestic surveillance of this nature.

Instances of this alleged monitoring include the DHS obtaining six months of phone records for a Minneapolis journalist without her knowledge or opportunity to contest, and serving administrative summonses to social media companies to unmask users. Furthermore, the department has reportedly acquired financial records from various unions and left-leaning non-profits, none of which were accused of criminal activity. Investigations have also revealed that DHS agents allegedly infiltrated community meetings, joined encrypted chats, and compiled dossiers on individuals.

These actions have prompted significant civil liberties concerns and legal challenges. In July 2026, privacy and civil liberties advocates filed a lawsuit accusing the administration of violating the Privacy Act by secretly collecting information on individuals observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Additionally, a federal court issued an order in July 2026, directing DHS to stop using force against journalists and the public documenting immigration enforcement activities in California.