Senator Markey Demands Clarity from ICE on Alleged “Domestic Terrorist” Database of Protesters, Warns of Constitutional Violations

Letter Text (PDF)
Washington (February 3, 2026) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding that Lyons immediately confirm or deny reports that the agency is maintaining a so-called “domestic terrorists” database to track individuals protesting ICE activities. These reports follow public statements from ICE officers and senior Trump administration officials suggesting a “domestic terrorist” database exists. The American people deserve transparency and assurance that the federal government is not violating the First Amendment by monitoring or intimidating individuals engaged in constitutionally protected protest.
In the letter, Senator Markey wrote, “U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and senior Trump administration officials have repeatedly suggested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is building a ‘domestic terrorists’ database comprising information on U.S. citizens protesting ICE’s actions in recent weeks. If such a database exists, it would constitute a grave and unacceptable constitutional violation. I urge you to immediately confirm or deny the existence of such a database, and if it exists, immediately shut it down and delete it.”
Senator Markey continued, “ICE’s establishing a database identifying individuals who have peacefully protested the Trump administration would constitute a shocking violation of the First Amendment and abuse of power. Such a program would chill lawful speech, deter civic participation, and undermine public trust in law enforcement. These are the kinds of tactics the United States rightly condemns in authoritarian governments such as China and Russia; they have no place in a constitutional democracy.”
Senator Markey requests answers to the following questions by February 24:
Senator Markey has long sounded the alarm on DHS’s growing use of surveillance technology.
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