Technology Expands ICE's Capacity for Abuse, Human Rights Advocates Warn

US Congress members have raised concerns over the increasing use of surveillance technology by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which could lead to further instances of wrongful targeting, racial profiling, and family separation across immigrant communities.

Representatives Delia Ramirez and Hank Johnnson, members of the US Congress, held a shadow hearing on July 15 to discuss ICE's use of technology. Witnesses at the hearing detailed how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is building a vast network of interconnected data collection and processing systems. This network reportedly relies on surveillance platforms, facial recognition tools, iris scanners, and spyware, all developed by private companies, to identify and track individuals and cross-reference with sensitive data held in federal, state, and commercial databases.

Witnesses expressed concern that this data would be used to profile and intimidate people in ways that chill protest, limit access to essential services, and undermine rights to privacy, nondiscrimination, due process, and free expression. Human Rights Watch documented surveillance of observers and protesters by ICE agents during immigration operations in Minnesota in December 2025 and January 2026. This research included cases of agents driving to observers' own homes, raising serious concerns about intimidation and how ICE agents seemingly have access to observers' addresses and other personal data.

Journalists reported ICE agents appearing to scan Minnesota residents' faces with Mobile Fortify, a DHS application that reportedly compares face and fingerprint scans against data held on government databases. This increased use of surveillance technology and access to personal data could lead to privacy rights violations and further instances of wrongful targeting, racial profiling, and family separation.

## Technology and Human Rights

The use of surveillance technology by ICE raises concerns about the protection of human rights. Witnesses at the hearing emphasized the need for Congress to play a critical role in ensuring that there are protections and safeguards in place to limit further abuse. They called for the adoption of a strong federal data protection law and the update of federal privacy law to regulate government agencies' and private companies' collection, analysis, and sharing of personal data.

## Safeguards and Protections

Congress has dramatically expanded funding for immigration enforcement in recent weeks. However, this increased funding for ICE risks continued or expanded use of surveillance and profiling technology without safeguards or redress. To address this concern, Congress should ensure rights-compliant use of technology by federal agencies, including by requiring that any use of surveillance technology comply with international human rights law and standards.

### Table: ICE's Use of Surveillance Technology

| Technology | Description | | --- | --- | | Surveillance platforms | Developed by private companies to identify and track individuals | | Facial recognition tools | Used to cross-reference with sensitive data held in federal, state, and commercial databases | | Iris scanners | Used to identify individuals | | Spyware | Used to track and monitor individuals |

The increased use of surveillance technology by ICE raises concerns about the protection of human rights and the need for safeguards and protections to limit further abuse. As Congress continues to expand funding for immigration enforcement, it is essential that they prioritize the protection of human rights and ensure that any use of surveillance technology complies with international human rights law and standards.