- 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
Senators Urge DHS Watchdog to Investigate Agency's Broad Data Collection
Virginia lawmakers call for probe into DHS procurement activities that enable expansive data gathering and analysis
Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia have sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General, urging an investigation into the agency's broad data collection and analysis practices. The senators expressed concerns that DHS is gathering sensitive personal data that could be used to circumvent civil liberty protections, and they requested the IG audit the department's immigration procurement activities to determine if any federal laws or privacy regulations have been violated.
Why it matters
This request for an investigation highlights growing concerns among lawmakers about the expanding data collection and surveillance capabilities of DHS, particularly within its immigration enforcement operations. There are ongoing debates around balancing national security needs with protecting individual privacy and civil liberties.
The details
In their letter, Senators Warner and Kaine tasked the DHS Inspector General with examining the methods of data storage and use for personally identifiable information, whether DHS immigration enforcement is based on data from other agencies or third parties, and the sources of the data DHS collects. This comes as DHS has sought to broaden its data authorities through rule changes, raising fears of eroding privacy protections. The lawmakers' request follows recent House legislation aimed at limiting DHS's biometric data collection, driven by concerns over technical limitations, constitutional issues, and the need for stronger safeguards.
- The letter was sent to the DHS Inspector General on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- Prior to the letter, House Homeland Security Committee members introduced legislation to set limits on DHS biometric data collection.
The players
Mark Warner
U.S. Senator from Virginia and former Governor of Virginia.
Tim Kaine
U.S. Senator from Virginia and former Governor of Virginia.
Joseph Cuffari
Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.
Abigail Spanberger
Governor-elect of Virginia.
Dustin Goetz
Chief Information Officer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What they’re saying
“We write to you to express our concern that the Department of Homeland Security is collecting sensitive personal data that can be used to circumvent civil liberty protections, including those guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment.”
— Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Senators
What’s next
The DHS Inspector General will decide whether to investigate the agency's data collection and procurement practices as requested by Senators Warner and Kaine.
The takeaway
This request for a DHS Inspector General investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between national security needs and protecting individual privacy and civil liberties. As DHS expands its data gathering and analysis capabilities, particularly in the immigration enforcement realm, there are growing calls for stronger oversight and safeguards to prevent potential abuses.
