Archive · 26 Jul 2025
ICE Expands Ankle Monitor Policy for Migrants
ICE is planning to track many more migrants using GPS ankle monitors.
This means more people will have to wear the monitors, even if they have always followed the rules.
Some people think this is unfair because it makes them feel like prisoners, even though they haven't done anything wrong.
The company that makes the monitors, BI Inc., will make more money.
Critics worry this violates rights.
Some people are worried ICE might be doing this because some migrants haven't gone to court.
Some people are preparing to take legal action.
ICE plans to expand GPS monitoring of migrants in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program.
The policy will affect nearly all 183,000 migrants in the program, regardless of compliance.
Civil rights groups and advocates express concern over the impact on compliant individuals.
BI Inc., a subsidiary of Geo Group and ICE contractor, stands to profit from the expanded surveillance.
The expansion follows other aggressive immigration measures, prompting legal challenges.
- Who
- ICE is implementing the policy, impacting migrants in the ATD program.
- What
- ICE is expanding its GPS monitoring of migrants in the ATD program.
- When
- The expansion plan was detailed in a June 9 memo.
- Where
- The expansion will affect migrants across the United States.
- Why
- The stated reason is for "accountability," though some believe it will criminalize cooperation and erode trust.
Advocates' Concerns
ICE Justification
Privacy and Accountability
Advocates' Concerns
The expanded monitoring is an invasion of privacy and creates a chilling effect on those seeking refuge.
ICE Justification
ICE asserts the measures are for accountability and ensuring migrants attend court dates and follow procedures.
Treatment of Compliant Migrants
Advocates' Concerns
The policy will erode trust and unfairly punish compliant migrants.
ICE Justification
The primary goal is to ensure all those under ICE supervision remain accessible.
- Migrants Affected
- 183,000
- Type of Surveillance
- GPS ankle monitors and wrist-worn trackers for pregnant women
- ICE Contractor
- BI Inc. (Geo Group subsidiary)
- Geo Group Donations
- $1.5 million to Trump's campaign
- Previous Monitoring
- 24,000 individuals monitored previously
- Concerns
- Privacy, due process violations, and impact on vulnerable groups.