ICE is expanding the use of ankle monitors, directing staff to fit migrants in the ATD program with them "whenever possible." Why this matters: This represents a significant increase in surveillance of non-detained migrants.
Critics argue that ankle monitors are uncomfortable, stigmatizing, and invasive, turning communities into "digital cages." Why this matters: These concerns highlight the ethical implications of increased surveillance.
The Geo Group, a private prison corporation, is expected to benefit from the expansion. Why this matters: This underscores the growing privatization of immigration enforcement and its influence on policy decisions.
Data indicates that a large percentage of non-detained migrants already attend their court hearings. Why this matters: This raises questions about the necessity of increased surveillance for all migrants.
ICE is implementing a directive to significantly increase the use of GPS ankle monitors for immigrants enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. This move, detailed in a June 9 memo, instructs staff to equip individuals with ankle monitors "whenever possible." Currently, only 24,000 out of approximately 183,000 adult immigrants in the ATD program wear ankle monitors.
Critics of the program argue that these devices, weighing six ounces, are uncomfortable, stigmatizing, and represent an invasion of privacy. Laura Rivera, a senior staff attorney at Just Future, described the program as turning communities and homes into "digital cages."
The expansion is expected to benefit the Geo Group, a private prison corporation, through its subsidiary BI Inc., which runs the surveillance program. The Geo Group has a history of employing top Trump administration officials and has donated significantly to Trump’s campaign. Concerns have been raised about BI Inc.’s capacity to handle the increased demand, citing issues with old equipment and overburdened case managers.
While ATD enrollment peaked at 378,000 under the Biden administration, the Trump administration has recently added over 4,165 enrollees with ankle monitors since January. Data from the American Immigration Council indicates that 83% of non-detained migrants with resolved or pending deportation cases attended all their court hearings between 2008 and 2018.
Q: What is the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program?
The ATD program is an ICE initiative that uses various forms of monitoring, including ankle monitors and a mobile app, to track immigrants who are not detained while their cases are pending.
Q: Why is ICE expanding the use of ankle monitors?
ICE states that ankle monitors are an "enforcement tool" to ensure compliance with federal law, while critics suggest it is an unnecessary expansion of surveillance.
Q: What are the concerns about using ankle monitors?
Concerns include privacy violations, the discomfort and stigma associated with the devices, and the potential for turning communities into "digital cages."
The expansion of ankle monitor usage signals a shift towards increased surveillance of immigrants.
The debate over ankle monitors highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and individual rights.
The role of private companies in immigration enforcement continues to be a point of contention.
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