ICE To Get New Technology To Track Illegal Migrants: Report
Source: Newsweek
Published Dec 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM EST updated Dec 26, 2025 at 12:34 PM EST
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly buying millions of dollars worth of new surveillance tools as the administration pushes forward with its mass deportation policy. Federal records reviewed by Politico show ICE ramping up spending on surveillance technology, with more than $300 million slated under the Trump administration for social-media monitoring, facial recognition, license-plate readers, and location-tracking services.
Why It Matters
As ICE moves forward with a suite of advanced tracking and surveillance technologies aimed at identifying and locating undocumented immigrants, civil liberties advocates warn the initiative could trigger a sweeping expansion of domestic surveillance that extends far beyond immigrants, potentially ensnaring U.S. citizens and lawful residents as well.
The effort, which has drawn sharp criticism from privacy and rights groups, is part of the Trump administrations push to deploy new technology across immigration enforcement, a strategy critics say weakens privacy guardrails and normalizes powerful surveillance tools for federal agents.
The tech is expected to play a central role in ICEs drive to carry out the presidents hard-line and aggressive blueprint for mass deportations.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/ice-new-technology-tracking-migrants-11272147
Link to Politico article - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/26/ice-high-tech-surveillance-lower-privacy-guardrails-00705401
James48
(5,078 posts)They are building a massive surveillance state - and the Dont Tread folks are silent.
Attilatheblond
(8,188 posts)A lot of their bravado is just a front for the fact that most are not brave enough to really look at what their idols are doing to our nation.
Igel
(37,306 posts)And spread the word, get upset, etc., etc.
They are not that well oiled a machine. Esp. since it's (1) Friday to Saturday, (2) during the time of year when stuff on NPR refers to COVID as recent because it was recorded in 2022 or 2023.
I mean, this could have been posted here at Dec 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM EST, incorporated into radio and tv broadcasts last night, big stories on all sorts of web sites ...
And yet ... Apparently it'll be chat groups that are first out of the gate because we are legion and can 'publish' quickly while "those people" that we notice are few and publish much less quickly. (Esp. since a lot of DUers will have to rely on what others say "those people" say, and some will rely on what others say others say about "those people.)
As with everything else, will conservatives of various sorts get upset at this? Some will, some won't. Depends if they value liberty more than they value purity or security (using, of course, their definitions, since applying my or our definitions makes zero sense).
Attilatheblond
(8,188 posts)The Tech Billionaires need return on their investments in Trump
groundloop
(13,558 posts)And I'm also certain that programs such as this are why the federal budget and deficit are soaring despite DOGe hurting so many people by wrecking federal agencies.
eppur_se_muova
(40,884 posts)WmChris
(605 posts)They are just beginning to get their police state big brother is watching act together. How long before there are rewards offered for ratting out your friends co-workers neighbor for saying the emperor has no clothes?
OldBaldy1701E
(10,031 posts)There are already things like that playing out in our nation. People who are so afraid that they are willing to turn in their own family members rather than run the risk of upsetting Dear Leader and his crew of flunkies.
I would point out some parallels to another historical society where this happened, but I know some on here are tired of the constant comparisons. Just know that such comparisons are valid and should... should... be serving as a warning.
But, we all know how US citizens are about learning from our mistakes. Or anyone's, for that matter.
WmChris
(605 posts)It starts when you're always afraid, step out of line the man come and take you away. Just because you're paranoid dosen't mean they aren't out to get you.
travelingthrulife
(4,355 posts)even the white ones sometimes.
bluestarone
(21,082 posts)They track us!! BASTARDS!!!