1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Halt Invasive Spyware Use by ICE, DHS, and DOJ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has officially acknowledged its use of powerful, military-grade spyware against people within the United States. This revelation, combined with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent actions to share sensitive voter data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), demonstrates a systemic lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the privacy and constitutional rights of all Americans. ICE is currently deploying "Graphite," a sophisticated hacking tool developed by the Israeli firm Paragon Solutions. This spyware is designed to bypass encryption on apps like Signal and WhatsApp, track real-time locations, and even remotely activate a device’s microphone to serve as a covert listening device. While acting ICE Director Todd Lyons claims these tools are reserved for "fentanyl traffickers," the agency has failed to provide any proof of ironclad safeguards or judicial oversight. In reality, these tools are being deployed via administrative subpoenas, bypassing the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirements and opening the door for the surveillance of journalists, activists, and legal observers. Furthermore, the integrity of the DOJ and DHS is currently in question following their lies refuted by video evidence and by the resignation of a key DOJ privacy officer. This resignation reportedly occurred after the DOJ began sharing sensitive state voter data—including partial Social Security numbers and driver’s license data—with DHS without the legally required public notices or privacy assessments. It is clear that ICE, DHS, and DOJ cannot be trusted to self-regulate. Their history of secrecy and deflection indicates an agency culture that prioritizes dragnet surveillance over the truth and the rule of law. I urge you to take immediate legislative action to: Pass the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act: Close the legal loopholes that allow federal agencies to purchase or use commercial spyware and data-broker information to bypass the warrant requirement. Impose a Moratorium on Commercial Spyware: Halt the use of tools like Paragon’s "Graphite" and Penlink until a full, transparent Congressional investigation into their domestic application is completed. Ensure Strict Oversight on Data Sharing: Investigate the DOJ’s transfer of voter registration data to DHS and enforce strict penalties for agencies that fail to produce mandatory privacy impact assessments. The use of zero-click spyware and mass data-collection dragnets turns our own phones into tracking devices for a government that refuses to be honest with its citizens. We need leaders who will stand up for the privacy of their constituents and demand accountability from these agencies.