How ICE Will Spy On Protesters, And How You Can Protect Your Privacy

2026-02-11 · Source: Tech Policy Press · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Data Science & Analytics · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

The article details how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies are escalating surveillance against protesters and observers of immigration enforcement, particularly after the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January 2026. The administration, including President Donald Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has labeled protesters as "agitators" and "domestic terrorists," with DHS officials claiming that filming agents constitutes "violence" or "obstruction of justice." ICE circumvents warrant requirements for location data by purchasing it from data brokers like Venntel, Babel Street, and Penlink. The agency also deploys facial recognition via the Mobile Fortify app for in-the-field identifications, often treating single matches as definitive despite expert warnings. Additionally, ICE and CBP utilize Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems and access DMV databases through networks like Nlets, sometimes using this information for intimidation tactics. Legislative efforts, such as "The Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" and bills to ban ICE's use of facial recognition, have faced political hurdles.

Key takeaway

For AI ethicists and policy makers concerned with civil liberties, this analysis highlights critical areas where current surveillance practices by ICE and DHS undermine constitutional rights. You should advocate for the passage of legislation like "The Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act" and bills banning federal facial recognition use, while also pressing state and local governments to restrict ALPR systems and cut off DMV data access to federal agencies. Your efforts are crucial to safeguarding privacy in a democratic society.

Key insights

ICE and DHS agencies are expanding surveillance capabilities against activists through data brokers and advanced technologies.

Principles

• Filming law enforcement is a constitutionally protected right.
• Facial recognition matches should not be the sole basis for identification.
• Data broker loopholes enable warrantless government surveillance.

Method

ICE acquires bulk phone location data from data brokers, uses Mobile Fortify for field facial recognition, and leverages ALPR systems and DMV databases for vehicle tracking, often bypassing legal restrictions.

In practice

• Use Faraday bags or power off phones at sensitive events.
• Consider masks to guard against facial recognition.
• Advocate for legislation closing data broker loopholes.

Topics

• Surveillance Technologies
• Facial Recognition
• Location Tracking
• Data Brokers
• Privacy Rights

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Executive, AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Legal Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Tech Policy Press.