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The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched an ambitious digital surveillance program that enhances its internet monitoring capabilities.
The agency confirmed that it will hire dozens of cybersecurity experts to form a specialized team that will work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the aim of tracking activities on social media and other public platforms.
Ongoing monitoring of social networks
According to official documents, ICE will expand its use of publicly available information—including posts on Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit—to identify, investigate, and locate individuals it deems a threat to national or public security.
The agency indicated that this monitoring may encompass personal identification data, messages, photographs, videos, documents, and even geolocation information.
Moreover, it is not limited to traditional social networks: the program includes the exploration of the deep web and the darknet, relying on data aggregators, link analysis systems to detect criminal networks, and scraping tools that allow for the automatic copying of information from websites and forums.
The Targeting Operations Division (TOD) will be primarily responsible for collecting and updating the information that will serve as the foundation for migration and criminal operations.
A recently released 38-page draft, validated by outlets such as Telemundo 51, details that the purpose of the program is to "identify, investigate, locate, arrest, and assist in the prosecution of individuals suspected of violating the laws."
A spokesperson for the agency stated that various forms of technology are used to investigate alleged criminal activities and support law enforcement efforts, "while respecting civil liberties and privacy interests."
He also stated that his actions are "consistent with those of other federal law enforcement agencies."
According to the entity, the use of new tools is due to the fact that the individuals being pursued "employ countermeasures to inhibit ICE's ability to locate them."
The Office avoided disclosing accurate information about techniques and tools to protect the safety of its agents and the integrity of the investigations.
Privacy and civil liberties risks
However, civic groups and experts in digital rights have expressed concern about the implications of this program.
They point out that the massive collection of online data could conflict with constitutional rights and the privacy of millions of people, including migrants in vulnerable legal processes.
In light of this situation, experts recommend exercising extreme caution regarding what is posted on social media, as even seemingly harmless messages can be used in immigration investigations.
The general guidance is clear: avoid sharing sensitive information and, when in doubt, always consult with a trusted lawyer.
The details of the hiring program and the requirements for cybersecurity experts are available on SAM.gov, the official platform where the U.S. government publishes contracts and public agreements.
The expansion of digital monitoring by ICE marks a new chapter in state surveillance online, with a scope that, according to its critics, could jeopardize fundamental rights in the name of national security.
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Media Surveillance by ICE
What does the new social media monitoring program by ICE involve?
The new monitoring program by ICE involves the agency intensively monitoring social media and other public platforms 24 hours a day. They will hire cybersecurity experts to track and analyze activities on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, in order to identify and locate individuals deemed a threat to national or public security.
What risks does this program pose to user privacy?
This program poses significant risks to privacy, as it could conflict with constitutional rights and the privacy of millions of people, including migrants in vulnerable legal processes. The mass collection of online data could be used in ways that impact civil liberties and privacy interests.
What recommendations are given to protect against ICE monitoring?
It is recommended to exercise extreme caution regarding what is published on social media. Avoid sharing sensitive information and always consult with a trusted lawyer in case of doubt. Although ICE claims to respect civil liberties, intensive surveillance can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
What tools will ICE use to carry out this surveillance?
ICE will utilize various technological tools to carry out its surveillance, including data aggregators, link analysis systems to detect criminal networks, and scraping tools that allow for the automatic copying of information from websites and forums, as well as exploring the deep web and the darknet.
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