# DHS Has Used This Controversial Investigative Tool 185,000 Times Since Trump Took Office

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dhs-has-used-this-controversial-investigative-tool-185000-times-since-trump-took-office/
- Published: 2026-11-09T10:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T10:36:38+00:00
- Original publisher: Wired
- Original article: https://www.wired.com/story/dhs-has-used-this-controversial-investigative-tool-185000-times-since-trump-took-office/
- Topics: Software

## Key points

- DHS reported about 185,000 administrative subpoenas since Trump took office.
- The count far exceeds a previous six-and-a-half-year tally.
- The subpoenas can seek company records without prior court approval.

## Summary

The Department of Homeland Security has reported using administrative subpoenas about 185,000 times since Donald Trump took office on 20 January 2025. The figure has raised concerns because these subpoenas can compel companies to hand over records without prior court approval, and the government has used them in investigations involving online critics and protesters.

The estimate emerged in an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit brought by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which says it is seeking more detail on what the count includes. A previous analysis found that ICE issued about 170,000 customs summonses over more than six and a half years, from 2016 to August 2022. DHS now argues its subpoena power can support a broad range of investigations; ICE did not explain the increase, and the article notes that companies can refuse, after which the agency may pursue a court order or another type of subpoena.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.