Data Overreach: How DHS Policies Endanger US Citizens

The Concerning Landscape of DHS Data Gathering

The current trajectory of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding data collection raises significant alarms. WIRED has reported that as immigration raids escalate, not just undocumented immigrants but also American citizens have found themselves ensnared in the web of aggressive enforcement policies. This alarming trend is underscored by the case of Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a US citizen in Alabama who was wrongly detained by immigration authorities while working at a construction site. Despite presenting valid identification, he was handcuffed and subjected to harsh treatment.

“I think that if you fit the demographic profile that they're targeting and you are a citizen, [authorities] view the time spent in custody as just a necessary cost of the current enforcement system.” - Jared McClain, senior attorney at the Institute for Justice

In less than a month after his initial wrongful detention, Garcia Venegas faced a similar ordeal, highlighting an unacceptable pattern of misconduct. Such incidents challenge the integrity of our legal system and expose citizens to unwarranted risks under the pretense of immigration enforcement.

A Broader Context of Systemic Risks

The phenomenon of American citizens being caught up in the dragnet of immigration enforcement is not isolated. According to reporting from ProPublica, at least 170 citizens have been wrongly detained in the first three quarters of 2025. What exacerbates this problem is the rapid consolidation of data across federal agencies. The Trump administration has already made strides in using data-sharing for surveillance, which further complicates matters of citizen privacy and civil liberties.

What Are System of Records Notices (SORNs)?

Over recent months, various federal agencies have issued System of Records Notices (SORNs) that change how data collected by these agencies is shared. For instance, a SORN from DHS has transformed the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) to now include voter registration details implicated in immigration enforcement.

This raises pressing concerns about how intertwined governmental data may impact not just immigrants but anyone perceived to be associated with immigrant communities. The situation is troubling especially when agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) also begin sharing data with DHS, potentially leading to invasive monitoring of American citizens.

Case Studies Highlighting System Failures

Additionally, individuals like Garcia Venegas are emblematic of a larger issue where technological and bureaucratic missteps can have devastating consequences. Experts warn that the implementation of these systems lacks proper checks. For instance:

• A naturalized citizen may still be incorrectly categorized in databases as a non-citizen, which can lead to wrongful detainment.
• Data collected for one purpose can be misapplied, raising the stakes for innocent citizens mistakenly identified as threats.

Expert Views on Policy Implications

Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock from the National Immigration Law Center points out that these data systems have been a long time in the making and have previously been flagged by immigrant rights advocates. She adds that the current administration seems to provide no guidance on how citizens can rectify inaccuracies that could jeopardize their rights or bodily autonomy.

Even if the technology performs well, there's no guarantee the authorities will act justly on its findings. A case highlighted in court filings revealed how reliance on outdated or incorrect data can prompt wrongful detentions, with an immigrant stating that even valid paperwork was disregarded because the authorities lacked faith in its legitimacy.

The Need for Legislative Safeguards

The stakes of this issue extend to critical aspects such as voting rights, access to government benefits, and personal safety. Radicalized surveillance of populations based on flawed data can lead to exclusion from essential services for eligible individuals. Moreover, the blending of voter data into immigration enforcement raises fears about civil liberties being compromised for perceived security.

“I applied to the Social Security Administration and received a social security number as a lawful permanent resident, but my status isn't accurately reflected in government data.”

This statement from a naturalized citizen underlines the urgent need for robust mechanisms to ensure data accuracy and citizen protections. The lack of systems to address these issues not only questions the effectiveness of the current policies but also stirs apprehension about the moral fabric of our government.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

As we navigate the complexities of immigration policy and data privacy, it is crucial for stakeholders—from lawmakers to citizens—to hold authorities accountable and push for clear protocols that separate citizen welfare from enforcement practices. In a democracy, the interests of all residents, regardless of immigration status, ought to be recognized and protected under the law. This moment requires critical examination and action to prevent the risk of wrongful detentions from becoming an unmanageable norm.