In a bold and direct address, former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has openly challenged Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security over their reported efforts to track down critics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions. According to a New York Times report, the department has issued subpoenas to major tech companies like Google and Meta, seeking the identities of social media users who post negative comments about ICE operations.
A Public Declaration of Criticism
Reich, a prominent political commentator and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, did not mince words in his response. He stated, 'I'll save them time. Hello? Kristi Noem? Robert Reich here. I hear you're trying to find the names of people who are making negative comments on social media about ICE enforcement. Look no further. I've done it frequently.' He emphasized that his criticism is ongoing and readily available across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Reddit, Substack, and the Guardian.
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
Reich accused Noem and the administration of engaging in unconstitutional practices, including arresting individuals without due process, detaining innocent people in camps with inadequate care, and failing to notify families of detainees' whereabouts. He highlighted specific actions such as sending people to brutal foreign prisons, jailing children, arresting journalists covering protests, and hindering investigations into the killings of two innocent Americans. He asserted that these actions are forbidden by the United States Constitution and that federal courts have repeatedly ruled against them, yet the department continues to defy judicial orders.
Furthermore, Reich condemned the use of administrative subpoenas to obtain information on critical social media accounts, arguing that this violates the First Amendment right to free speech. He reminded Noem that, as a former cabinet officer himself, he understands the oath to uphold the Constitution and the importance of public feedback in a democratic system. 'Feedback is very useful in a democracy. You might even say it's essential to democracy,' he noted, contrasting his own approach of inviting criticism to improve public service with what he perceives as Noem's authoritarian tactics.
The Broader Implications
Reich framed the issue as part of a larger struggle against fascism in America, referencing his recent writings on the topic. He stressed that government officials, including Noem and her superiors, are supposed to serve the American people, not spy on, intimidate, or harm them. He pointed out that taxpayers fund these operations, except when Congress intervenes due to perceived despicable actions. In closing, Reich questioned Noem's commitment to democratic principles, asking, 'What the hell are you doing, Madam Secretary?' and reaffirming his right to criticize without fear of retribution.
