ICE wants to build a 24/7 social media surveillance team

image via Ars Technica

October 4, 2025, 1:21 PM

• •ICE plans to hire contractors to scan social media for information to target individuals for deportation.
• •The program involves stationing analysts at targeting centers to monitor platforms and create dossiers for enforcement.
• •Contractors will use open-source intelligence and commercial databases.
• •The plan includes strict deadlines for processing cases and integrating AI for analysis.

ICE is planning to hire contractors to expand its social media surveillance capabilities. These contractors will be tasked with monitoring platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to gather intelligence for deportation raids and arrests. The program aims to staff targeting centers with analysts who will convert social media posts into leads for enforcement operations. The initiative raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of surveillance tools.

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