ICE's swift move to expand surveillance after Trump's win raises questions about the future of immigration monitoring. (Shutterstock)
- ICE requested proposals to enhance its monitoring system for non-citizens just hours after Trump's election victory.
- The Intensive Supervision Appearance Program has grown to nearly 200,000 participants under President Biden's administration.
- Private prison companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic saw significant stock increases following Trump's triumph.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasted no time in preparing for a potential expansion of its surveillance capabilities following Donald Trump’s election victory last week.
Just hours after the results were announced, ICE issued a notice seeking proposals from companies to enhance its monitoring system for non-citizens awaiting immigration hearings or deportation.
The notice requested details on how companies would manage location data, personal information, and remote surveillance technology. ICE’s current system includes ankle monitors, GPS trackers, and biometric check-in technology.
Related Story: If You Thought Trump Wasn’t Serious About Deportations, Look at His First ...
Trump’s Deportation Promise and Private Sector Involvement
The move aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to execute “the largest deportation operation in American history.” While specific plans weren’t released, private companies contracting with ICE would likely handle many aspects of such a program.
ICE’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program has grown significantly under President Biden, with nearly 200,000 participants as of 2023. A 2023 ICE notice revealed plans to rebrand and expand the program to monitor all non-detained individuals awaiting court hearings or deportation, potentially increasing surveillance by 3,000%.
Related Story: Trump’s Deportation Plan Brings Fear and Sadness at CA Border
Private Prison Companies Poised to Benefit
B.I. Incorporated, a subsidiary of private prison company GEO Group, has been ICE’s ISAP contractor since at least 2005. Following Trump’s victory, GEO Group’s stock soared, making it “the single biggest winner in the U.S. stock market,” according to Sherwood News.
GEO Group CEO Brian Evans stated the company could increase its ISAP capacity to “several millions if necessary.” Competitor CoreCivic also viewed the timing of ICE’s notice as “a very encouraging sign.”
As the debate over immigration policy continues, the potential for expanded surveillance and monitoring of non-citizens remains a contentious issue.
Read more at Wired
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