A poll worker in Syracuse, New York, has alleged that two federal officers confronted her at a polling location over a social media post criticizing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, prompting concerns from civil rights advocates about free speech and activity at polling places.
Paigelynne Gonyea said the encounter occurred while she was working during New York’s primary election. According to her, the officers presented a written notice claiming she might have violated federal laws related to publishing personal information about a federal officer. The warning was reportedly linked to a January social media post in which she shared a photograph of ICE officer Jonathan Ross and called for his indictment following the fatal shooting of protester Renee Good in Minneapolis.
Describing the incident, Gonyea said:
“I think today is a great day for Jonathan to be indicted.”
She also declined to sign the notice handed to her by the officers, maintaining that her post was protected by the First Amendment and did not unlawfully disclose private personal information.
The Department of Homeland Security said Gonyea’s post included the officer’s address and argued that it endangered the safety of federal personnel. The agency maintained that the officers were responding to concerns about the publication of personal information rather than attempting to interfere with the election process.
Local election officials said the confrontation did not disrupt voting or affect the administration of the primary election. Meanwhile, the New York Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the matter after civil rights organizations and some lawmakers raised questions about whether the officers’ actions could have had a chilling effect on free expression and election activities.

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