NY residents sue ICE over speech warnings

Two upstate New York residents, David Streever and Paigelynne Gonyea, have sued or been warned by United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after they criticized the agency online. Streever sent an email to then-acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in January 2026, calling him 'a monstrous human being' after an ICE officer fatally shot Killing of Renée Good during an anti-ICE demonstration. In June, federal officers visited Streever's home and attempted to confront him at a hotel, delivering a warning that the email was considered a threat. Gonyea, a poll worker, was visited by federal officers at a polling place during New York's primaries over a social media post calling for the indictment of ICE officer Jonathan Cran. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression represents Streever in a lawsuit filed in Washington D.C. alleging First Amendment violations. The New Mexico — New Mexico Attorney General's Office is reviewing the interactions. Free speech advocates, including the ACLU, have condemned the actions as an abuse of power.