Discover the Technology Driving ICE’s Deportation Enforcement
President Donald Trump has made immigration a central focus of his administration, pledging to carry out a significant number of deportations. In the first eight months of his presidency, approximately 350,000 deportations were executed, a figure that encompasses actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, and self-deportations. To bolster these efforts, ICE has employed various advanced technologies aimed at identifying and surveilling undocumented immigrants across the United States.
Clearview AI Facial Recognition
Clearview AI has emerged as a prominent player in the realm of facial recognition technology. The company claims to have the ability to identify individuals by searching through an extensive database of images sourced from the internet. Recently, ICE entered into a contract with Clearview AI valued at $3.75 million to assist its law enforcement division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This contract aims to enhance capabilities in identifying victims and offenders in cases of child sexual exploitation and assaults against law enforcement personnel.
ICE has previously collaborated with Clearview AI, purchasing forensic software for $1.1 million in September 2024 and nearly $800,000 in facial recognition licenses the year before. Despite these significant contracts, Clearview AI did not respond to requests for comment regarding its partnership with ICE.
Paragon Phone Spyware
In a notable development, ICE signed a $2 million contract with Israeli spyware manufacturer Paragon Solutions in September 2024. However, the Biden administration promptly issued a “stop work order” to review the contract’s compliance with an executive order governing the use of commercial spyware. This order left the contract in limbo for nearly a year until the Trump administration lifted the order, allowing the contract to proceed.
The specifics of how Paragon’s technology will be utilized by ICE remain unclear. The contract includes a fully configured proprietary solution, encompassing licensing, hardware, warranty, maintenance, and training. It is uncertain whether the spyware will be employed by ICE or HSI, which investigates a range of issues beyond immigration, including online child exploitation and human trafficking. Paragon has faced scrutiny in recent months, particularly regarding its involvement in a spyware scandal in Italy, leading the company to sever ties with Italian intelligence agencies.
Phone Hacking and Unlocking Technology
In mid-September, ICE’s HSI secured a $3 million contract with Magnet Forensics for software licenses aimed at recovering digital evidence and processing multiple devices. Magnet Forensics is known for its Graykey devices, which allow law enforcement to unlock locked phones and access their data. This contract underscores ICE’s commitment to utilizing advanced technology in its investigations, although Magnet Forensics did not provide a comment on the matter.
LexisNexis Legal and Public Records Databases
ICE has long relied on LexisNexis, a legal research and public records data broker, to support its investigations. Documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests revealed that ICE conducted over 1.2 million searches using a tool called Accurint Virtual Crime Center within a seven-month period. This tool was employed to gather background information on migrants, raising concerns about mass surveillance practices.
In 2023, ICE paid $4.7 million for a subscription to LexisNexis’ law enforcement investigative database, which provides access to public records and commercial data for criminal investigations. A spokesperson for LexisNexis emphasized the company’s commitment to ethical data use, stating that they partner with numerous agencies to enhance public safety and security.
Surveillance Giant Palantir
Palantir Technologies has established multiple contracts with ICE, including a significant $18.5 million agreement for its Investigative Case Management (ICM) database system. This partnership dates back to a $95.9 million deal signed in 2022. The ICM database allows ICE to filter individuals based on various criteria, including immigration status and physical characteristics.
Palantir’s collaboration with ICE has sparked controversy, leading to internal discussions about the ethical implications of working with the Trump administration. Additionally, the company is developing a tool called ImmigrationOS, designed to streamline operations related to the apprehension of undocumented individuals and monitor visa overstays. The ongoing relationship between Palantir and ICE highlights the increasing reliance on technology in immigration enforcement efforts.
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