DHS seeks access to Maine protesters' private Signal chats, raising First Amendment concerns

Federal litigation in Hilton v. Noem sees the Department of Homeland Security seeking discovery of private Signal group chats that Maine residents created to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities. Protesters contend the request violates the First Amendment, and their counsel, Genevieve Nadeau of Protect Democracy, says the government also wants lists of protests attended and any comments reflecting opinions on law-enforcement tactics.

The plaintiffs have turned over some chats with personal data redacted, while the government has deposed participants about chat membership and possible involvement of officials. FIRE senior attorney Adam Steinbaugh called the demand an unlawful intrusion on collective action. DHS and the Justice Department declined to comment. The case highlights ongoing tensions over surveillance of dissent and digital privacy.