Many ICE Agents Lose Ability to Spy on Immigrants’ Payments to Family Back Home

Many ICE Agents Lose Ability to Spy on Immigrants' Payments to Family Back Home In a significant development, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken steps to limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents' access to the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC), a secretive financial surveillance program that tracks wire transfers between the U.S. and Mexico. As of late June, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) wing has been "de-platformed" from TRAC, according to Mayes' office. This move comes after The Intercept filed a public records lawsuit for documents about TRAC, which raised concerns that the Trump administration might use TRAC data to hit its deportation quotas. "We have taken steps to ensure that ICE agents do not have unfettered access to this database," Mayes said in an emailed statement. "We are committed to transparency and accountability in our law enforcement efforts." TRAC collects data on wire transfers sent via Western Union and other companies, but critics argue that it can be used to target immigrants who send money back home to support their families. Mayes' spokesperson, Richie Taylor, had previously downplayed concerns about TRAC's use, stating that the database is used exclusively for money laundering investigations. However, The Intercept's reporting raised questions about the potential misuse of TRAC data. "The idea that ICE agents could be using this data to target immigrants who are simply trying to support their families is unacceptable," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We commend Attorney General Mayes for taking steps to limit access to this database." TRAC's use of AI-powered surveillance has sparked concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for biased decision-making. Critics argue that such programs can perpetuate systemic inequalities and target vulnerable populations. The development marks a significant shift in the use of financial surveillance by law enforcement agencies. As technology continues to evolve, experts warn that the risks associated with AI-powered surveillance will only grow unless policymakers take steps to address these concerns. Mayes' office has not disclosed whether other states or federal agencies have access to TRAC data. The development is likely to spark further debate about the use of financial surveillance in immigration enforcement and the need for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement efforts. Background: TRAC was established in 2006 as a joint effort between Arizona's Attorney General's office and ICE. The program uses AI-powered algorithms to analyze wire transfer data, identifying potential money laundering schemes. However, critics argue that TRAC can be used to target immigrants who send money back home to support their families. Additional Perspectives: Experts warn that the use of financial surveillance by law enforcement agencies raises significant concerns about civil liberties and the potential for biased decision-making. "The use of AI-powered surveillance in immigration enforcement is a recipe for disaster," said a spokesperson for the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). "We need to be vigilant in protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring that our laws are applied fairly and justly." Current Status: As of late June, ICE agents from ERO have been de-platformed from TRAC. Mayes' office has not disclosed whether other states or federal agencies have access to TRAC data. The development is likely to spark further debate about the use of financial surveillance in immigration enforcement and the need for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement efforts. Next Developments: The Intercept's public records lawsuit is ongoing, with a court date scheduled for later this year. Mayes' office has not disclosed whether other states or federal agencies have access to TRAC data. The development is likely to spark further debate about the use of financial surveillance in immigration enforcement and the need for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement efforts. *Reporting by Theintercept.*