ICE Tracks 54,000 Immigrants via Ankle Monitors – What It Means 2026

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a dramatic increase from just 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This surge in ankle monitor usage reflects a broader shift toward high-tech surveillance in immigration enforcement, raising critical questions about cost, privacy, and due process.

Why ICE Is Expanding Ankle Monitor Surveillance

ICE’s intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP) currently enrolls about 184,000 immigrants, but the mix of surveillance methods has changed significantly. Instead of relying on phone check-ins or the SmartLink facial recognition app, ICE agents were directed in June 2025 to move more participants to ankle monitors, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post. This policy, dubbed “ankle monitors for all” by critics, aims to ensure court appearances but has sparked legal challenges.

The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc—the company running ISAP—reported that the shift to ankle monitors has increased its revenues. Ankle monitors cost ICE a little more than $2 per day per monitor, while SmartLink costs about $0.96 per immigrant. With over 127,000 immigrants still using SmartLink, the financial implications are significant.

Cost Comparison: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink App

The table above highlights the cost disparity. As more immigrants are placed on ankle monitors, ICE’s spending on surveillance rises even if total enrollment stays flat. Geo Group CEO George Zoley noted on an earnings call that this “technology and case management mix shift” will continue to boost revenues and earnings under the ISAP contract.

Legal and Privacy Concerns

A new class-action lawsuit filed against ICE in June alleges that the “ankle monitors for all” policy imposes continuous, real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications. Immigration advocacy groups argue that this blanket approach violates constitutional rights to privacy and due process. The lawsuit contends that individuals are subjected to constant tracking without any evidence that they pose a flight risk or danger.

Privacy experts also worry about the psychological impact of 24/7 monitoring, which can hinder immigrants’ ability to work, attend legal appointments, and maintain family life. The data collected by ankle monitors is also vulnerable to misuse, raising concerns about surveillance overreach.

Key Takeaways

• ICE ankle monitor usage has tripled from 17,000 to nearly 54,000 in under two years.
• The shift increases costs for taxpayers, as ankle monitors cost more than double the SmartLink app.
• Geo Group profits from this surveillance expansion, with revenues tied to higher-cost monitoring.
• Legal challenges argue that blanket ankle monitoring violates immigrants’ rights without individualized justification.
• Immigration advocates call for more humane and cost-effective alternatives like case management and court reminders.

What This Means for Immigrants and Policy

For immigrants in the ISAP program, the move to ankle monitors means greater intrusion into daily life. Many must charge the device regularly and carry it at all times, which can be stigmatizing and logistically challenging. The policy also places a heavier burden on low-income individuals who may lack stable housing or access to reliable electricity.

Policymakers are now debating whether such expansive surveillance is necessary or proportionate. Some argue that ankle monitors are a tool to ensure court appearances and public safety, while others see them as a punitive measure that undermines trust in the immigration system. The outcome of the class-action lawsuit could set a precedent for how electronic monitoring is used in immigration enforcement.

FAQ

As ICE expands its ankle monitor surveillance, the debate over cost, privacy, and fairness intensifies. Staying informed on these developments is crucial for immigrants, advocates, and taxpayers alike.