ICE Tracks 54,000 Immigrants via Ankle Monitors 2026

The US is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors as part of a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) electronic surveillance program, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This dramatic increase from 17,000 early last year signals a major shift in immigration enforcement. The program, known as the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), has become a cornerstone of ICE's monitoring strategy, raising questions about privacy, cost, and due process.

Surge in Ankle Monitor Usage Under ICE Surveillance

The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc, the company that runs ISAP, reported the numbers in its earnings call on Thursday. The overall number of immigrants enrolled in the surveillance program remained flat at about 184,000, but a large portion shifted from less intensive methods like phone check-ins to ankle monitors. This ankle monitor expansion reflects a policy change directed by ICE agents in June 2025, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post.

Ankle monitors cost ICE more than most other surveillance technologies, charging about $2 per day per monitor, while the SmartLink app costs roughly $0.96 per immigrant. With over 127,000 immigrants using SmartLink, the cost implications are significant. The shift to ankle monitors has boosted Geo Group's revenues, as executives noted that this 'high-security level of monitoring' increases earnings even if participation counts stay stable.

Why the Shift to Ankle Monitors Matters

Immigration advocacy groups have filed a class-action lawsuit against ICE in June, alleging that the 'ankle monitors for all' policy imposes continuous, real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications. This has sparked a debate about the balance between enforcement and civil liberties. The trend shows no sign of slowing, with Geo Group's CEO George Zoley predicting continued revenue growth from this technology mix shift.

Key Takeaways from the ICE Ankle Monitor Surge

• Ankle monitor usage tripled from 17,000 to 54,000 in under two years.
• Costs for ICE have risen due to the higher per-day fee for monitors.
• Legal challenges are mounting against the blanket policy.
• Geo Group profits are directly tied to this surveillance expansion.

The electronic surveillance program is now a central tool for ICE, but its rapid growth has outpaced legal and ethical safeguards. As the lawsuit progresses, the future of ankle monitor usage remains uncertain, yet current data indicates a continued upward trend.

FAQ: ICE Ankle Monitors and Immigration Surveillance

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