Hacktivist "Department of Peace" Releases Data on Over 41,000 DHS Immigration Workers

A hacktivist group that identifies itself as the Department of Peace has uploaded a massive collection of personal records belonging to more than 41,000 employees of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The cache, which lists names, positions, workplace locations and contact details for immigration officers and their support staff, was placed on an open file‑sharing site earlier this week and quickly drew coverage from outlets like BBC Technology.

The disclosed files cover a broad spectrum of DHS entities, ranging from Customs and Border Protection agents posted at ports of entry to ICE officers responsible for investigations and removals. Although the exact makeup of the data varies, analysts say the documents provide sufficient information to pinpoint individual workers, their specific departmental assignments and, in certain instances, direct phone numbers or email addresses.

Cyber‑security analysts note that the collective posted the material without any encryption, meaning anyone who possesses the link can retrieve the full set. Examination of the files suggests they were pulled from internal human‑resources and personnel databases, indicating a compromise of the agency’s back‑office systems rather than its operational field databases.

The breach surfaces amid persistent worries over the protection of government employee records. Earlier incidents such as the 2020 Office of Personnel Management hack have underscored how vulnerable federal personnel data can be to outside actors. For immigration officials—who often operate in the public spotlight and can become targets of harassment—the release of personal details amplifies concerns about safety and privacy.

DHS representatives confirmed that an internal probe has been launched and that steps are being taken to gauge the breach’s extent. A spokesperson stressed that, so far, there is no indication the leaked information has been used to enable threats or illegal conduct, and the department is coordinating with the Justice Department and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to trace the source and tighten security measures.

Experts caution that the disclosure could affect recruitment and morale within immigration enforcement bodies. The visibility of staff data might discourage potential applicants and could embolden individuals or groups seeking to intimidate personnel. Legal scholars warn the Department of Peace may face federal charges if the leak is tied to unauthorized access of protected government systems, while civil‑rights advocates argue the episode highlights the need for stronger data‑privacy protections across all federal agencies.