Activists report that ICE is attempting to unlawfully reveal the identities of members tracking the agency on social media in Montgomery County.

A federal judge issued a ruling on Friday prohibiting Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, from complying with a request made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for information about the operators of the MontCo Community Watch. This grassroots organization manages several anonymous social media accounts dedicated to tracking local activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter H. Kang’s order responds to a lawsuit initiated on behalf of the Montgomery County group, which argues that DHS engaged in unlawful practices aimed at unmasking the individuals behind their initiative. The lawsuit highlights concerns that the DHS’s actions constitute a violation of the First Amendment, targeting the organization’s members simply for exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.

In his ruling, Judge Kang did not explicitly endorse the legal arguments presented by the plaintiffs but emphasized that Meta must refrain from providing any documents or information related to the DHS request unless explicitly ordered to do so by the court during the ongoing proceedings.

The legal dispute arose after DHS issued two administrative summonses last month, requesting usernames, phone numbers, IP addresses, and other identifying details of individuals connected to the MontCo Community Watch’s social media profiles. While the agency claimed its investigation aimed to uncover potential customs violations related to merchandise sales, the lawsuit counters that the group’s social media accounts do not engage in any commercial activity, rendering the requests excessively broad and outside the scope of such an inquiry.

The lawsuit asserts that the organization’s members risk having their personal information disclosed to DHS, exposing them to potential harassment and targeting. Consequently, it seeks to invalidate the summonses and prevent Meta from releasing any requested information.

Filed in California’s Northern District Court, where Meta is headquartered, the lawsuit reflects broader concerns regarding the federal government’s use of its authority against community organizations. The plaintiffs contend that these strategies may be indicative of a larger trend of governmental overreach, particularly affecting individuals and groups advocating for immigrant rights.

As part of an increasing network of resistance against ICE operations, the MontCo Community Watch actively monitors and reports ICE activity in the Philadelphia region, providing resources and support to those affected by federal enforcement actions. The group’s efforts include documenting ICE operations and influencing public awareness about the agency’s practices.

Montgomery County residents witness daily ICE activity, which the lawsuit describes as frequently involving well-documented cases of warrantless arrests, abusive searches, and detentions. The court documents cite an operational incident on July 16, when agents detained at least 14 individuals at a grocery market in West Norriton as a reflection of the group’s urgent need for protection and support.

The summons issued to Meta was based on a law permitting investigations into customs violations; however, the lack of specificity regarding any alleged wrongdoing or the relevance of the information sought raises serious legal implications.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case draws attention to the delicate balance between governmental authority and individual rights, particularly in an era marked by increased scrutiny of policing and immigration enforcement practices. The MontCo Community Watch’s situation underscores the complexities faced by grassroots organizations operating in politically charged environments while striving to uphold civil liberties and advocate for vulnerable populations.