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

To put HSI’s estimate into perspective, a previous WIRED analysis found that in the more than six and a half years from the start of 2016 to mid-August 2022, ICE agents only sent out around 170,000 of a type of administrative subpoena called a 1509 customs summons.

The number of administrative subpoenas was revealed as part of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Aaron Mackey, deputy legal director at the nonprofit, says the EFF hopes to get more details about the 185,000 estimate. The EFF originally asked for information about how many administrative subpoenas were sent to technology companies, internet platforms, and service providers by ICE or DHS since January 20, 2025.