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 surge reflects a major policy shift within ICE's intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP), driven by cost and revenue considerations for private contractor The Geo Group.
According to a recent earnings call by The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc—the company managing ISAP—overall enrollment stayed flat at about 184,000, but participants were moved from cheaper surveillance methods like phone check-ins to ankle monitors. The company charges ICE a little more than $2 per day per monitor, compared to $0.96 for the SmartLink facial recognition app. This mix shift has boosted Geo Group's revenues even as total participation numbers remain stable.
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Why ICE Is Shifting to Ankle Monitors
In June 2025, ICE directed agents to move more ISAP enrollees to ankle monitors, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post. The policy, dubbed “ankle monitors for all” by advocacy groups, imposes continuous real-time GPS tracking without individualized justifications. A new class-action lawsuit filed against ICE in June argues this violates due process rights.
Cost and Revenue Implications
The financial impact is significant. Ankle monitors are the most expensive surveillance tool in ISAP, generating higher per-participant revenue for The Geo Group. George Zoley, CEO, stated that if the trend continues, “the technology and case management mix shift will continue to increase revenues and earnings.” This raises questions about whether enforcement decisions are influenced by profit motives.
Surveillance Program Breakdown
| Surveillance Method | Participants (approx.) | Cost per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle monitors | 54,000 | $2.00 |
| SmartLink app | 127,000 | $0.96 |
| Phone check-ins | 3,000 (remaining) | Variable |
Key Takeaways for Policy and Business
- ICE's ankle monitor population tripled in under two years, from 17,000 to 54,000.
- The shift increases taxpayer costs while boosting private contractor profits.
- Legal challenges are mounting, with class-action suits alleging constitutional violations.
- Monitoring intensity is rising without corresponding increases in overall ISAP enrollment.
FAQ
What is ICE's intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP)?
ISAP is an ICE program that monitors immigrants awaiting immigration court hearings. It uses various technologies, including ankle monitors, smartphone apps, and phone check-ins, to ensure compliance with release conditions.
Why did the number of ankle monitor users jump from 17,000 to 54,000?
ICE issued a directive in June 2025 to move more ISAP participants to ankle monitors, citing a need for higher security. This policy shift, combined with cost structures favoring Geo Group, drove the rapid increase.
How much does an ankle monitor cost compared to other ICE surveillance tools?
Ankle monitors cost ICE about $2.00 per day per person, while the SmartLink app costs $0.96. This makes ankle monitors more than twice as expensive, leading to higher revenues for the contractor.
Are there legal challenges to the ankle monitor policy?
Yes, a class-action lawsuit filed in June 2025 alleges that the “ankle monitors for all” policy imposes continuous GPS tracking without individualized justification, violating immigrants' due process rights.
This trend highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement and private prison economics. As ICE expands ankle monitor use, stakeholders must weigh security benefits against civil liberties and fiscal costs. Stay informed on evolving policy and legal outcomes.
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