ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking: 54,000 Immigrants Under GPS 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. This surge in electronic surveillance reflects a policy shift toward higher-security monitoring within ICE's intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP), raising questions about cost, privacy, and due process.

Understanding the Surge in ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking

According to private prison corporation The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc, the company that runs ISAP, the overall number of immigrants enrolled in the surveillance program remained flat at approximately 184,000. However, a large number of participants were shifted from less intensive forms of surveillance, such as phone check-ins, to ankle monitors. This shift to GPS ankle monitors is part of a directive issued by ICE in June 2025, as reported by the Washington Post, aiming to move more immigrants to the highest level of monitoring.

Why the Shift to Ankle Monitors?

The Geo Group pitches ankle monitors as a “high-security level of monitoring,” and the policy has significant financial implications. Ankle monitors cost ICE a little more than $2 per day per monitor, while the SmartLink app—a facial recognition and location tracking smartphone app—costs about $0.96 per immigrant. With more than 127,000 immigrants currently using SmartLink, the cost difference is substantial. George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO, noted on an earnings call that this trend “will continue to increase revenues and earnings generated under the ISAP contract even if overall participation counts remain relatively stable.”

Data Table: Surveillance Costs and Participation

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 that this blanket approach subjects individuals to constant surveillance without proper due process, violating privacy rights and potentially leading to unnecessary detention or deportation.

Impact on Immigrant Communities

The expansion of ankle monitor tracking has created fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. Many worry that even minor technical issues, such as a dead battery or signal loss, could lead to ICE enforcement actions. Additionally, the psychological burden of wearing a GPS device 24/7 is significant, affecting daily life, employment, and family relationships.

Key Takeaways

• ICE ankle monitor tracking has tripled from 17,000 to nearly 54,000 immigrants in about a year.
• The shift to ankle monitors increases costs for ICE but boosts revenues for The Geo Group.
• Legal challenges question the lack of individualized justification for high-level surveillance.
• SmartLink app remains the cheaper alternative, used by over 127,000 participants.
• Policy changes in June 2025 drove the move toward more intensive monitoring.

Future Outlook for Immigration Surveillance

As ICE continues to expand its use of ankle monitors, the debate over immigration enforcement technology intensifies. While officials argue that these measures ensure court appearances and compliance, critics call for more humane and cost-effective alternatives. The outcome of the class-action lawsuit could reshape how ICE implements electronic monitoring, potentially requiring individualized assessments before imposing GPS ankle devices.

What This Means for You

If you or a loved one is enrolled in ISAP, understanding your rights is crucial. Legal experts advise documenting all interactions with ICE and reporting any issues with monitoring devices immediately. Staying informed about policy changes can help you navigate this complex system.

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