ICE to Increase GPS Ankle Monitor Use: Privacy Concerns Rise
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is significantly increasing its use of GPS ankle monitors, according to a report by The Washington Post. This move will dramatically expand the agency's 24/7 surveillance of approximately 180,000 immigrants participating in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program.
Advocates have long criticized these monitors as "digital shackles," arguing that they represent a form of digital imprisonment. They raise serious concerns about privacy violations and the mass collection of personal data by ICE.
The ATD program, intended as a less restrictive alternative to detention centers, is facing renewed scrutiny as its reliance on technology grows. Critics argue that the constant monitoring and data collection associated with ankle monitors create a chilling effect, limiting individuals' freedom and autonomy.
Afghan Interpreter Detained Amid Deportation Concerns
In related news, an Afghan interpreter who assisted U.S. troops during the Afghanistan invasion was recently detained by masked federal agents following an appointment related to his green card application. The individual, identified only as Zia, and his family fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's resurgence in 2021 and were granted humanitarian parole in 2024.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of potential mass deportations, as a federal appeals court declined to postpone the Trump administration's decision to terminate temporary protected status for Afghans. This termination took effect on July 21, leaving thousands of Afghans in the U.S. facing deportation.
The increased use of ankle monitors and the potential deportation of Afghan refugees highlight the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding U.S. immigration policy. The balance between national security concerns and humanitarian obligations remains a central point of contention.
- Increased surveillance raises privacy concerns.
- Detention alternatives are facing increasing scrutiny.
- Potential mass deportations add to the complexity.