ICE Expands Social Media Surveillance with Plans to Hire 30 Contractors for 24/7 Monitoring

Breaking News: ICE Plans to Expand Social Media Surveillance Immigration authorities are moving to dramatically expand their social media surveillance capabilities, with plans to hire nearly 30 contractors to monitor and analyze online activity. According to federal contracting records reviewed by WIRED, the agency is seeking private vendors to run a multiyear surveillance program out of two targeting centers in Vermont and Southern California. Timeline: The initiative is currently at the request-for-information stage, with no official bidding process announced. Draft planning documents show the scheme envisions stationing nearly 30 private analysts at ICE facilities around the clock. The contractors will be responsible for scouring social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, to convert posts and profiles into leads for enforcement raids. Immediate Impact: The expansion of social media surveillance has raised concerns among civil liberties groups and immigrant communities. "This is a clear overreach by ICE," said an advocate from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We're worried about the potential for bias, profiling, and misuse of personal data." Background Context: ICE's targeting centers have been shrouded in secrecy, with limited information available to the public. The agency has faced criticism for its handling of social media surveillance in the past, including allegations of using flawed algorithms and biased data. What Happens Next: The request-for-information stage is a crucial step before an official bidding process begins. If contractors respond positively, ICE will move forward with the plan to establish a 24/7 social media surveillance team. The agency has not announced any specific timeline for implementation. This development raises important questions about the role of social media in immigration enforcement and the potential impact on communities of color. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the public's right to know is at risk. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Wired reporting.*