Rochester man says he received federal warning for criticism of ICE

Key Points:

• David Streever, a Rochester resident, received a federal warning after sending a critical email to ICE's acting director about the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer, highlighting concerns over free speech and government retaliation.
• Streever was confronted by federal agents at his home while he was abroad and later at a New York City hotel, though hotel staff denied the agents entry; his attorney argues the email is protected political speech, not a threat.
• Another upstate New York resident, poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea, was also visited by federal officers regarding a social media post about the ICE officer involved in the shooting, with DHS alleging she posted the officer’s address online, which they consider a federal crime.
• Free speech advocates, including the ACLU, criticize these federal actions as abuses of power that infringe on constitutional rights, emphasizing that expressing opposition to government actions should not provoke law enforcement retaliation.
• ICE and DHS have declined detailed comment due to ongoing investigations, while New York state officials are reviewing the incidents, particularly the interaction between Gonyea and federal agents at polling locations.