NY Man Files Lawsuit Against ICE Over Home Visit After Email

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Brooklyn, contends that two Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents knocked on the man's door in February, days after he sent an email to the agency's public tip line criticizing its enforcement tactics. The man, who is not named in the complaint, says the visit was an act of retaliation for his protected speech.

According to the complaint, the agents identified themselves and asked about the man's immigration status, though he is a U.S. citizen. They left after he declined to answer questions, but the man says the encounter left him feeling intimidated and chilled his willingness to speak out on immigration issues.

The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that ICE's actions violated the First Amendment, as well as injunctive relief to prevent similar visits in the future. It also requests nominal damages and attorney's fees.

An ICE spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing department policy. The case adds to a series of legal challenges over federal agents' conduct during home visits and their treatment of critics.

The man's attorneys argue that the visit was not a routine enforcement action, noting that the agents did not have a warrant and that the man had no prior contact with ICE. They say the timing, so soon after the email, points to a retaliatory motive.