Federal Officers Issue Warning to New York Resident Over Criticism of ICE
Federal Warning Issued to Rochester Resident
Authorities have cautioned a second individual from upstate New York regarding his online remarks about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). David Streever, who resides in Rochester, reported that federal agents visited his home last week while he was traveling in Finland. His attorney, Adam Steinbaugh from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), stated that the officers delivered a warning notice to Streever's wife, indicating that an email he sent in January was deemed threatening. Steinbaugh further mentioned that federal agents attempted to meet Streever at a hotel in New York City upon his return, but were denied entry by hotel staff.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar confrontation involving Paigelynne Gonyea, a poll worker from Syracuse, who reported being approached by federal officers regarding a social media post that criticized an ICE officer.
Background on David Streever
Who is David Streever?
David Streever is a resident of Rochester, New York, who sent an email to Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, in January after the tragic shooting of Renee Good during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis. His attorney revealed that the email criticized Lyons' handling of the situation, stating, "The way you are protecting the obvious execution in Minnesota, even as we see the videos, will lead to your downfall. Even Trump will turn on you before the end, and you will be a sad, despised man who eats himself alive with shame at your own pathetic weakness." Streever expressed surprise that his email would lead to federal officers visiting his home, saying, "Like many Americans, I was deeply upset after the shootings in Minnesota and I felt compelled to do something. Writing a letter to the head of ICE seemed like the least I could do to express my sense of outrage. I never dreamed it would lead to a knock on my door by federal officers." Following the warning, Streever has no intention of contacting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.
ICE's Stance on Threats
ICE Says It Investigates Credible Threats
ICE has refrained from commenting on Streever's situation due to an ongoing investigation. The agency stated, "ICE investigates all credible threats towards its employees and officers, including threats to the ICE Director." Steinbaugh contended that Streever's email does not constitute a genuine threat and is protected under the First Amendment, asserting, "A true threat is a serious expression of an intent to commit violence. This email doesn't even come close. It's political speech, it's an act of petitioning your government."
Related Incident with Poll Worker
Similar Case Involving New York Poll Worker
Streever's warning is reminiscent of an incident involving Syracuse poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea. She reported that two federal officers approached her while she was working at a polling station during New York's primary election, concerning a January social media post about ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good. Gonyea believes the warning was linked to a post that featured Ross's photo along with the comment, "I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted." However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security, Lauren Bis, noted that Gonyea had also shared Ross's home address in a separate post. Bis stated, "Gonyea committed a federal crime by posting the address of an ICE law enforcement officer online. If you doxx our officers, we will investigate you, and you will be brought to justice." The New York Attorney General's Office has acknowledged both incidents and is currently reviewing the interactions between Gonyea and federal officers.