Board authorizes administrative subpoena to Meta Platforms after officials report threats

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized county counsel to issue an administrative subpoena to Meta Platforms to try to identify account holders tied to social media posts that county counsel described as overt threats against supervisors and their families.

County counsel told the board that a criminal investigation and an internal inquiry had been initiated after the posts and requested authority to issue the administrative subpoena, to reimburse the sheriff’s department for service costs, to allow county counsel to seek enforcement in superior court if Meta refuses to comply and to set a special hearing on Dec. 2, 2025. Counsel said such subpoenas can be enforced through the courts if necessary and that providers may be required to respond under federal law.

A member of the public urged the board to consult the district attorney and argued Government Code section 25170 does not authorize the board or county counsel to compel documents from private third parties, warning of legal risk and reputational harm. County counsel and multiple supervisors disputed that reading and said the statute authorizes boards of supervisors to pursue subpoenas on matters of county interest. After discussion about legal authority, member safety and the scope of enforcement, the board voted 5‑0 to approve county counsel’s recommendation.

The board’s action authorizes county counsel to pursue information from Meta; if Meta refuses, county counsel may ask a superior court to enforce the subpoena. The board also authorized reimbursement for personal service costs and set a Dec. 2, 2025 hearing to consider compliance and potential next steps.