DHS Violates Domestic Espionage Rules, Retains Chicago Police Records for Months

According to internal memos reviewed by WIRED, the dataset was first requested by a field officer in the DHS's Office of Intelligence Analysis (IA) in the summer of 2021. The records were part of a private exchange between DHS analysts and Chicago police, a test of how local intelligence might feed federal government watchlists. The goal was to identify undocumented gang members in airport queues and at border crossings, but the experiment collapsed due to mismanagement and oversight failures. "We take these allegations very seriously and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation," said a DHS spokesperson. "The unauthorized retention of personal data is a clear breach of our protocols and procedures, and we are taking immediate action to rectify the situation." The incident highlights the complexities of domestic intelligence gathering and the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the misuse of personal data. "This is a classic example of how the lack of transparency and accountability can lead to serious consequences," said a civil liberties expert. "The DHS needs to be more transparent about its data collection practices and ensure that they are in line with the law." The records in question were part of a larger dataset that included information on individuals who were not suspected of any wrongdoing. The Chicago Police Department had provided the data as part of a pilot program aimed at identifying potential security threats. However, the program was shut down after it was discovered that the data was being used for purposes other than its intended use. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for domestic surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties. "This is a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant about our data and to demand greater transparency from our government agencies," said a privacy advocate. The DHS has since taken steps to rectify the situation, including deleting the unauthorized data and conducting a thorough review of its data collection practices. However, the incident has raised questions about the agency's ability to manage sensitive information and its commitment to protecting civil liberties. As the investigation into the incident continues, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the DHS. "This is a critical moment for the DHS to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability," said a government watchdog. "The public has a right to know how their data is being used and to trust that it is being handled in a responsible manner."