ICE plans 24/7 social‑media surveillance team — what to know
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested information from contractors to build a 24/7/365 social‑media surveillance team that would scour platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube to develop leads on wanted individuals. Documents first reported in tech press show the program would use AI and contractor staff to process social data and generate investigative leads.
Key details
- Scope: Continuous monitoring of major social platforms to identify leads on wanted individuals.
- Response times: “Urgent” cases (including ICE’s Top 10 Most Wanted) targeted within ~30 minutes; lower‑priority cases could have up to an 8‑hour window.
- Staffing & locations: Request documents call for at least 12 full‑time staff at the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center in Williston, Vermont (3 on duty at all times) and at least 16 full‑time contractors at the Pacific Enforcement Response Center in Santa Ana, California (duty rotations to cover after‑hours/emergencies).
- Technology: ICE asked how contractors would use artificial intelligence to meet targets; the agency has previously used controversial tech such as facial recognition in other programs.
Concerns & context
Privacy advocates warn this could expand intrusive surveillance, increase risk of errors and misidentification, and chill free expression. Supporters argue targeted monitoring can help locate dangerous fugitives and improve public safety. The program is in early stages (request for information) and would rely on contractors and AI to scale monitoring.
Sources & further reading
- Engadget — ICE plans 24/7 social‑media surveillance team
- The New Republic — ICE social media surveillance report
- Project Censored — Critics on ICE’s social media surveillance
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