Voting in New York primaries was disrupted when ICE agents arrived at a polling site to question Paigelynn Gonyea about an Instagram post they alleged ‘doxed’ an agent. The incident, described by local news outlet Syracuse.com, highlights how ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating civilian posts online.

The OPR, meant to safeguard internal affairs, now appears to be targeting internet users for their online critiques and expressions. Between January 2025 and March 2026, it investigated 131 cases involving threats against ICE employees, raising questions about the extent of these investigations and their legal basis.

Civil liberties advocates argue that First Amendment rights to criticize government should not be infringed upon lightly. Despite this, OPR has reportedly sent administrative subpoenas to tech companies in an attempt to unmask online critics, though some have been withdrawn due to free speech concerns.

ICE’s focus on online threats and its reduced scrutiny of detention facilities suggests a shift in priorities. While the agency invests in protecting staff from ‘emerging threats,’ it may be neglecting other critical duties.