ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking Surges to 54,000 Immigrants 2026

ICE is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a dramatic increase from just 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This surge reflects a broader shift in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) electronic surveillance tactics, with ankle monitor tracking becoming the preferred method for monitoring immigrants enrolled in the intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP).

The Rapid Rise of ICE Ankle Monitor Surveillance

The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc—the company that administers ISAP—reported these figures in its earnings call on Thursday. While the overall number of immigrants enrolled in the program remained flat at about 184,000, a significant portion were moved from less intensive methods like phone check-ins to GPS ankle monitors. This policy shift, directed by ICE agents in June 2025 according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post, has transformed the landscape of immigration surveillance.

The move to ankle monitors is not just a security decision; it is a financial one. Ankle monitors cost ICE more than $2 per day per monitor, compared to just $0.96 for the SmartLink app, which uses facial recognition and location tracking. With more than 127,000 immigrants currently using SmartLink, the revenue potential for Geo Group is substantial.

Financial Implications for Geo Group

George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO, acknowledged on the earnings call that the technology and case management mix shift will continue to increase revenues and earnings under the ISAP contract, even if overall participation counts remain stable. This is a clear indication that ICE electronic surveillance is becoming a lucrative business.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

This “ankle monitors for all” policy has sparked legal challenges. A class-action lawsuit filed against ICE in June alleges that the policy imposes continuous, real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications. Immigration advocacy groups argue that this violates due process and privacy rights, subjecting individuals to constant surveillance without proper cause.

Key Takeaways from the Surveillance Shift

• ICE ankle monitor usage has tripled from 17,000 to 54,000 in just over a year.
• The shift is driven by a June 2025 ICE directive to move more ISAP enrollees to ankle monitors.
• Geo Group profits directly from this policy, as ankle monitors are more expensive than other tracking methods.
• Legal challenges are mounting, with a class-action lawsuit highlighting the lack of individualized justification.
• The overall ISAP enrollment remains flat at 184,000, but the mix of surveillance types is changing rapidly.

What This Means for Immigrants and Policy

For immigrants in the program, the transition to ankle monitors means more intrusive tracking and potential stigma. The devices are often bulky and visible, making it difficult to maintain a normal life. Moreover, the lack of individualized assessments means that even low-risk individuals may be subjected to this high-level monitoring.

Policy experts suggest that this trend reflects a broader move towards tech-driven immigration enforcement, where private contractors benefit from stricter surveillance measures. As the debate over immigration reform continues, the role of private prison corporations in shaping enforcement practices is likely to come under greater scrutiny.

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