ICE Tracks 54,000 Immigrants via Ankle Monitors 2026

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a sharp rise from just 17,000 early last year. This expansion reflects a broader shift toward high-tech surveillance in immigration enforcement, raising questions about cost, privacy, and legal justification.

Why Ankle Monitor Use Has Surged

ICE’s intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP) currently enrolls about 184,000 immigrants, but the mix of monitoring methods has changed dramatically. According to The Geo Group, which runs ISAP through its subsidiary BI Inc, a large number of participants moved from phone check-ins to ankle monitors. This shift follows a June 2025 ICE directive to prioritize ankle monitors, as reported by the Washington Post.

The move is financially significant. Geo Group charges ICE just over $2 per day for each ankle monitor, while its SmartLink app—a facial recognition and location tracking tool—costs about $0.96 per enrollee. With more than 127,000 immigrants still using SmartLink, the revenue mix is shifting toward higher-cost monitoring.

Cost Comparison: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink

Geo Group CEO George Zoley confirmed on an earnings call that this trend will continue to increase revenues and earnings under the ISAP contract, even if overall participation counts remain stable. This has sparked criticism that the policy prioritizes profit over individualized assessment.

Legal and Ethical 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 this violates due process and privacy rights, especially for immigrants who pose no flight risk or danger.

The rapid expansion also strains resources and raises practical questions. Ankle monitors require battery charging, maintenance, and monitoring staff, unlike app-based check-ins. Critics say this creates a self-reinforcing cycle where increased surveillance leads to more violations and detentions, further justifying the program.

Key Takeaways

• ICE now tracks nearly 54,000 immigrants via ankle monitors, up from 17,000 in early 2024.
• The Geo Group benefits financially, charging over $2 per day per monitor.
• SmartLink app remains the cheaper alternative at $0.96 per person daily.
• Legal challenges argue the policy lacks individualized justification.
• The shift may increase ICE costs and immigrant surveillance burdens.

What This Means for Immigrants and Taxpayers

For immigrants under ISAP, the move to ankle monitors means constant location tracking, which can interfere with work, family life, and even medical appointments. The devices are often visible, leading to stigma and fear in communities. For taxpayers, the higher per-person cost could translate into a larger ICE budget, though the agency has not released total spending figures.

ICE maintains that ankle monitors ensure appearance at court hearings and compliance with deportation orders. However, studies have shown that electronic monitoring does not significantly improve appearance rates compared to less intrusive methods, according to immigration law experts.

FAQ

As the debate continues, immigrants and advocates are watching closely. The expansion of ankle monitoring raises important questions about the balance between enforcement and civil liberties, and whether cost should dictate surveillance methods.