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

ICE is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a sharp rise from just 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This expansion of electronic surveillance under the intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP) raises critical questions about cost, privacy, and immigration enforcement.

Why the Surge in Ankle Monitor Use?

The dramatic increase stems from an ICE directive issued in June 2025, which instructed agents to move more immigrants enrolled in ISAP to ankle monitors. The Geo Group, which runs the program through its subsidiary BI Inc, reported the numbers in its earnings call on Thursday. While overall ISAP enrollment remained flat at about 184,000, the shift to ankle monitors reflects a policy favoring high-security tracking over less intrusive methods like phone check-ins.

Financial Implications for Geo Group

Ankle monitors are more profitable for Geo Group. ICE pays just over $2 per day per monitor, compared to $0.96 per immigrant using the SmartLink app, a facial recognition and location tracking smartphone tool. With more than 127,000 immigrants still on SmartLink, the revenue mix is shifting. CEO George Zoley noted, “If this trend continues, the technology and case management mix shift will continue to increase revenues and earnings generated under the ISAP contract.”

Data Comparison: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink

This cost disparity highlights why the policy shift boosts corporate profits, but it also raises legal and ethical concerns. A class-action lawsuit filed in June alleges the “ankle monitors for all” policy imposes continuous, real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• Ankle monitor usage has tripled from 17,000 to nearly 54,000 in under two years.
• The policy change is driven by an ICE memo from June 2025, not by individual risk assessments.
• Geo Group profits rise as more immigrants are placed on costly monitors.
• Privacy advocates argue this violates due process and lacks tailored oversight.
• SmartLink remains the cheaper, more common alternative for most ISAP participants.

Legal and Privacy Challenges

The new class-action lawsuit, filed by immigration advocacy groups, challenges the blanket shift to ankle monitors. They argue that GPS tracking 24/7 without individualized justification is unconstitutional and stigmatizing. The outcome could reshape how ICE manages surveillance for non-detained immigrants.

What This Means for Immigrants and Families

For those on ankle monitors, daily life is disrupted—work, family, and travel are all affected. The monitors require charging and can trigger alerts, leading to potential detention. Understanding your rights and seeking legal counsel is crucial if you or a loved one are placed on this program.

Future Outlook

As the Biden administration continues to face pressure on immigration enforcement, the reliance on ankle monitors may grow. However, legal challenges and public scrutiny could force ICE to reconsider its approach. For now, the numbers speak volumes: 54,000 and counting.

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