FBI queries of Americans’ data under FISA 702 rose 35% in 2025

The controversial spying power, which allows agencies to access foreigners’ overseas communications without a warrant, will expire in April unless Congress renews it. The White House is pushing for a clean extension.

FBI searches of U.S. person data collected using a controversial spying authority rose some 35% in 2025, according to an FBI letter to Congress that was obtained by Nextgov/FCW.

The bureau’s searches of Americans’ data, collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, rose from 5,518 in December 2024 to 7,413 in November 2025, according to the March 11 letter signed by Ted Groves, the acting assistant director of the FBI’s Office of Congressional Affairs.

The letter was sent to Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the top lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The 702 authority, which permits the NSA, FBI and other agencies to access foreigners ...