New York Man Sues ICE After Confrontation Over Critical Letter
Were ICE's actions a critical letter free speech suppression or responsible law enforcement?
Above: The back of an ICE agent's hat in New York City on June 24. Image credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
ICE's actions in this instance were a blatant abuse of power. The First Amendment always protects angry political speech, and the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly said heated rhetoric aimed at public officials isn't a crime. Sending agents to someone's home and hotel to silence dissent is exactly what a police state does, not a free country.
Right narrative
ICE agents are facing an immense surge in death threats. The letter Streever sent, which warned a federal director that he'd "never know peace" and would "torment himself until his last day," is exactly the kind of language that warrants a follow-up. Checking on someone who sent that kind of message is the responsibility of law enforcement.
