ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking Surges to 54,000 Immigrants 2026

ICE ankle monitor tracking has surged to nearly 54,000 immigrants, a dramatic increase from just 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This rapid expansion reflects a broader shift toward high-tech electronic surveillance in U.S. immigration enforcement, raising significant privacy, legal, and financial concerns.

What Is Driving the Ankle Monitor Surge?

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has directed agents to move more immigrants enrolled in its intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP) to GPS-enabled ankle monitors. A June 2025 memo, obtained by the Washington Post, formalized this "ankle monitors for all" policy, prioritizing continuous real-time tracking over less invasive methods like phone check-ins.

While the overall number of immigrants in ISAP has remained flat at about 184,000, the mix has shifted dramatically. Ankle monitor usage has tripled, while participation in the SmartLink app—a facial recognition and location tracking smartphone tool—has declined. This change is not just operational; it has significant financial implications for the private companies running the program.

The Role of The Geo Group and BI Inc.

The Geo Group owns BI Inc, which administers ISAP. In its latest earnings call, Geo Group reported that the shift to ankle monitors has increased revenues, as these devices cost ICE more than other surveillance technologies. The company charges approximately $2 per day per monitor, compared to $0.96 per day for SmartLink users. With over 127,000 immigrants still using SmartLink, the potential for further revenue growth is substantial if the trend continues.

George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO, acknowledged this on the earnings call: "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."

Privacy and Legal Challenges

The rapid expansion of ankle monitor tracking has sparked legal action. 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 violates due process and privacy rights, subjecting individuals to surveillance without evidence of flight risk or danger.

Critics also point to the financial incentive for private companies to push more expensive monitoring methods. The lawsuit highlights that the policy shift prioritizes profit over proportionate and humane treatment of immigrants.

Cost Comparison: Ankle Monitors vs. SmartLink

As shown, ankle monitors are more than twice as expensive per person, but SmartLink still represents a larger total cost due to higher enrollment. However, the shift toward monitors is expected to increase overall program costs if participation in SmartLink declines.

Key Takeaways

• ICE ankle monitor tracking has tripled from 17,000 to nearly 54,000 immigrants in under two years.
• The policy shift is driven by a June 2025 ICE memo directing more ISAP participants to use GPS monitors.
• Geo Group and BI Inc benefit financially, with ankle monitors costing $2/day versus $0.96 for SmartLink.
• A class-action lawsuit challenges the policy as unconstitutional, citing lack of individualized justification.
• Immigration advocates call for more proportionate and privacy-respecting alternatives.

FAQ: ICE Ankle Monitor Tracking

As ICE ankle monitor tracking continues to expand, the debate over surveillance, privacy, and corporate profit intensifies. For immigrants and advocates, the stakes are high, and the outcome of legal challenges could reshape how the U.S. monitors individuals in immigration proceedings.

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