Individual Sues DHS, Alleging Rights Violation After ICE Visit Over Email

Why it matters locally: While this federal lawsuit originates outside North Carolina, the allegations of federal agents visiting a resident over an email criticizing a government agency could spark conversations among civil liberties advocates and raise questions about First Amendment protections statewide.

WASHINGTON – An individual is suing officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that federal agents visited his home after he sent an email criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. The lawsuit, filed in federal court last week by St. Louis resident Cody Streever, names several DHS officials as defendants. Mr. Streever's legal representation argues the visit, which occurred in February 2022, constituted an infringement of his First Amendment rights to free speech. According to the complaint, Mr. Streever sent an email to ICE in January 2022 expressing strong dissatisfaction with the agency's operations. The email used critical language to describe ICE's activities and personnel. Approximately one month later, three individuals identifying themselves as federal agents from DHS and ICE arrived at Mr. Streever's residence. The agents questioned him about the email he sent. Mr. Streever recorded a portion of this interaction on his cell phone. Legal documents state the agents informed Mr. Streever that his email had triggered an 'alert' within the DHS system. They reportedly asked him clarifying questions about his intentions behind sending the message. Mr. Streever's complaint states that he experienced distress and concern for his safety and privacy following the agents' visit. His lawsuit seeks monetary damages and a declaration that the actions taken by the federal agents violated his constitutional rights. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is providing legal assistance to Mr. Streever.