- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Fake Homeland Security Letter Circulating Among Idaho Businesses
Authorities warn that a letter claiming to suspend Second Amendment rights is a hoax
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A letter circulating on social media that claims to be from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and orders Idaho businesses to have employees "peacefully surrender" firearms to ICE agents has been identified as a fake. The letter contains misspellings and awkward phrasing, and fact-checkers have already labeled it as a hoax. The ATF has publicly warned Federal Firearms Licensees about this fake letter and is encouraging anyone who receives questionable correspondence to verify its authenticity.
Why it matters
In a heated political climate, misinformation and fake documents like this can spread quickly, causing unnecessary panic and concern. As business owners with influence in their communities, it's important for Idaho companies to be vigilant about verifying the authenticity of any official-looking communications before sharing them on social media or with employees.
The details
The fake letter claims to be from the Department of Homeland Security and orders businesses in Idaho to have employees "peacefully surrender" firearms to ICE agents, warning that failure to comply could be treated as "a deliberate act of domestic terrorism." However, the letter contains obvious signs that it is not legitimate, including misspellings and awkward phrasing. Fact-checkers have already confirmed that the letter is a hoax, and the ATF has issued a warning to Federal Firearms Licensees about this fake document.
- The fake letter began circulating on social media in early February 2026.
The players
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and managing the country's borders and immigration system.
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a federal law enforcement agency that regulates the firearms industry and investigates crimes involving guns.
Federal Firearms Licensees
Businesses and individuals licensed by the ATF to manufacture, import, or deal in firearms.
What’s next
The ATF is encouraging anyone who receives questionable correspondence to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of fact-checking and verifying the authenticity of any official-looking communications, especially in a politically charged environment where misinformation can spread rapidly. As influential members of their communities, Idaho business owners should be vigilant about not amplifying fake news or panic-inducing hoaxes.
