Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a consumer alert advising residents on how to protect their digital privacy from surveillance by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The alert follows media reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is using advanced technology to identify and track individuals, including data collected from online activity, phone applications, smart devices, and vehicles.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, ICE may be obtaining information through data brokers. These brokers gather large amounts of personal data, build profiles on individuals, and sell this information. Even routine use of apps such as weather services can result in personal data being stored with these brokers. The use of such data by ICE raises significant privacy concerns.
Attorney General Ellison stated: “There are media reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is utilizing advanced tools to identify and track people. Reports indicate the tools may utilize data originally collected from people’s online activity, phone apps, smart devices, and vehicles.”
The office encourages Minnesotans to take practical steps to manage their digital privacy. Recommendations include minimizing one’s digital footprint by using privacy-focused browsers and search engines, limiting the amount of personal information shared online, regularly updating software for security purposes, disabling location services on devices when possible—especially at sensitive locations—and using secure messaging applications with end-to-end encryption.
Further advice includes protecting physical access to devices with strong passwords rather than biometric authentication methods like FaceID or TouchID, considering airplane mode to reduce cellular tracking (while noting it does not block GPS signals), and routinely reviewing privacy settings on phones, apps, and social media accounts.
Ellison emphasized: “Each person must weigh their own risks and determine how to best manage their personal privacy and security.” He added that while there is no perfect solution for everyone, taking small steps can help safeguard personal information.
The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act took effect on July 31, 2025. This law gives consumers rights such as deleting their data held by certain businesses collecting information about Minnesota residents. Removing data from brokers or companies no longer used may make it more difficult for unwanted parties to access private details. More information about the Act is available at http://privacymn.com/
For additional resources or assistance regarding digital privacy concerns or consumer rights under state law, Minnesotans can contact the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
