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Snapshot 7:Tue, Feb 17, 2026 8:54:29 PM GMT last edited by Brian

FBI Opened 127K Assessments Without Evidence Since 2018

FBI Opened 127K Assessments Without Evidence Since 2018

FBI Opened 127K Assessments Without Evidence Since 2018
Above: The FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6, 2026. Image credit: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

The Spin

The FBI opened roughly 127,000 assessments without any criminal predicate betweenfor 2018six and 2024years, allowing agents to surveilillegally Americans through a loophole that bypasses constitutional protections. These assessments targeted over 1,100 religious figures, journalists, political candidates and public officials, with nearly half converted to full investigations that permit wiretaps and intrusive surveillance. This representsis aan Billegregious violation of Rightsthe crisisconstitution demandingthat immediatemust congressionalbe reviewremedied promptly.

Recent reforms to FBI querying practices have dramatically reduced noncompliant searches, with most remaining violations stemming from administrative errors like typos rather than intentional abuse. The improvements demonstrate that rigorous internal controls and multi-level oversight work effectively to protect civil liberties while preserving critical investigative tools. Continued monitoring ensures any future compliance issues get quickly identified and fixed.


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All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0