ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking Surges to 54,000 Immigrants 2026

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a dramatic surge from just 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This rapid expansion in electronic surveillance reflects a major policy shift under the intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP), raising serious legal and ethical questions about immigrant monitoring.

Why ICE Ankle Monitor Numbers Tripled

ICE directed agents in June 2025 to move more immigrants enrolled in ISAP to the ankle monitor program, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post. The overall number of immigrants in ISAP remained flat at about 184,000, but the mix shifted heavily toward high-tech tracking.

Geo Group, which owns BI Inc and runs ISAP, reported the numbers in its earnings call on Thursday. Executives said participants were moved from less intensive surveillance, such as phone check-ins, to ankle monitors, which the company pitches as a “high-security level of monitoring”.

The Cost Difference: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink

This shift has increased revenues for Geo Group because ankle monitors cost ICE more than other technologies. Here is a breakdown of the daily costs per participant:

At last count, more than 127,000 immigrants were required to check in using SmartLink, but the trend is moving toward ankle monitors. “If this trend continues, the technology and case management mix shift will continue to increase revenues and earnings generated under the ISAP contract even if overall participation counts remain relatively stable,” said George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO.

Legal Challenges and Advocacy Concerns

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

The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about the expansion of electronic monitoring in immigration enforcement, particularly when private corporations profit from increased surveillance. As ICE pushes for more ankle monitors, the legal and ethical implications are likely to intensify.

Key Takeaways

• ICE ankle monitor usage surged from 17,000 to nearly 54,000 immigrants in about 18 months.
• Geo Group profits rise as ICE shifts ISAP participants to higher-cost ankle monitors.
• SmartLink app remains cheaper but is being replaced by GPS monitors under the new policy.
• A class-action lawsuit challenges the lack of individualized justification for ankle monitors.
• The trend shows ICE prioritizing high-tech surveillance over less intrusive options.

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