The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mistakenly sent deportation notices to several US citizens, including lawyers and a doctor. The emails, ordering recipients to leave the country, were sent after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revoked the residency status of nearly a million migrants who entered the country legally under a Biden-era work program.
The DHS attributed the error to the use of non-personal email addresses provided by migrants, resulting in unintended recipients receiving the notices. One recipient, immigration lawyer Harriet Steele, stated she doesn't represent anyone involved in the work program. Other recipients expressed concern and confusion over the threatening language used in the emails, even questioning their authenticity despite being official government communications.
Recipients highlighted the threatening tone of the emails, raising concerns about the potential for public fear and distrust. One attorney believes the notices could be a scare tactic intended to fuel anti-immigration sentiment. The DHS responded that canceling the paroles was meant to secure borders and national security.