ICE Increases Ankle Monitor Use for 54,000 Immigrants
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expanded GPS ankle monitor use for immigrants, sparking a class action lawsuit over surveillance policies and private prison profits.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded its use of GPS-enabled ankle monitors to track nearly 54,000 immigrants, a significant increase from 17,000 early last year. This surveillance is conducted under the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), which is managed by BI Incorporated, a subsidiary of The Geo Group.
A June 2025 memo revealed that ICE directed agents to shift participants away from less intensive monitoring tools, such as the SmartLink facial recognition app, in favor of ankle monitors. Because ankle monitors cost the government more per day than other technologies, the shift has increased revenues for The Geo Group.
In June, the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights filed a class action lawsuit against ICE. The lawsuit alleges the agency is implementing an "ankle monitors for all" policy without individualized justification, subjecting individuals, including pregnant women, to constant surveillance without meaningful review.
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