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 via GPS ankle monitors, a sharp rise from 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This surge in electronic surveillance reflects a broader policy shift toward high-tech monitoring of immigrants enrolled in ICE’s intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP).

Why Ankle Monitor Numbers Surged

ICE directed agents in June 2025 to move more immigrants from less intensive surveillance methods, such as phone check-ins, to ankle monitors. The Geo Group, which runs ISAP through its subsidiary BI Inc, reported the numbers in its earnings call, highlighting that overall program participation stayed flat at about 184,000 but the mix shifted dramatically.

This “ankle monitors for all” policy, as described in a new class-action lawsuit, imposes continuous real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications. Immigration advocacy groups argue this violates due process and privacy rights, while ICE maintains it ensures appearance at court hearings and compliance with deportation orders.

Cost and Revenue Implications

Ankle monitors cost ICE more than other surveillance technologies. The company charges ICE a little over $2 per day per monitor, while the SmartLink app—a facial recognition and location tracking smartphone app—costs about $0.96 per enrollee. With over 127,000 immigrants using SmartLink, the shift to monitors has boosted Geo Group’s revenues.

George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO, noted on the earnings call that if this trend continues, the technology and case management mix shift will increase revenues and earnings under the ISAP contract even if participation counts remain stable.

Comparison: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink App

Legal and Ethical Concerns

The class-action lawsuit filed in June alleges that the blanket use of ankle monitors lacks individualized risk assessments, subjecting immigrants to constant surveillance without cause. Critics also point to the private prison industry’s profit motive, as increased monitor usage directly boosts corporate earnings.

Supporters argue that ankle monitors are a cost-effective alternative to detention, allowing immigrants to remain in their communities while ensuring they appear for court dates. However, the rapid expansion raises questions about proportionality and the erosion of civil liberties.

Key Takeaways for Businesses and Policymakers

• ICE’s ankle monitor population tripled in under two years, signaling a major operational shift.
• Geo Group’s revenue model benefits from higher-cost monitoring technologies, creating a potential conflict of interest.
• The policy lacks individualized justification, leading to legal challenges from advocacy groups.
• Cost differences between ankle monitors and SmartLink are significant, affecting ICE’s budget allocation.
• Privacy and due process concerns remain unresolved as the program expands.

Future Outlook

As immigration enforcement remains a hot-button political issue, the use of electronic surveillance is likely to grow. Businesses contracting with ICE may see continued revenue opportunities, but they also face reputational risks and legal scrutiny. Policymakers must balance enforcement needs with constitutional protections.

For now, the data from The Geo Group provides a transparent look into how ICE is allocating resources. The shift to ankle monitors is not just a law enforcement decision—it’s a financial one with profound social implications.

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