ICE tracks 54,000 immigrants via ankle monitors in new policy 2026

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now tracking nearly 54,000 immigrants through GPS-enabled ankle monitors, a dramatic increase from about 17,000 early last year, according to private prison corporation The Geo Group. This surge reflects a policy shift toward higher-security monitoring under ICE's intensive supervision appearance program (ISAP).

The Geo Group, which owns BI Inc, the contractor running ISAP, reported these numbers in its earnings call on Thursday. While the overall enrollment in ISAP remained flat at about 184,000, a large number of participants were moved from less intensive forms like phone check-ins to ankle monitors. This shift has significantly boosted revenues for Geo Group, as ankle monitors cost ICE more than other surveillance technologies.

Why ICE is expanding ankle monitor use

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 policy, dubbed “ankle monitors for all” by critics, aims to increase real-time tracking of immigrants awaiting immigration court proceedings. However, a new class-action lawsuit filed against ICE in June alleges that this policy imposes continuous, real-time GPS monitoring without individualized justifications.

The Geo Group charges ICE a little more than $2 per day per ankle monitor, while the SmartLink app, a facial recognition and location tracking smartphone app, costs about $0.96 per immigrant. Currently, more than 127,000 immigrants are required to check in using SmartLink. This cost differential is a key driver of increased revenue for the company.

Financial impact on Geo Group

George Zoley, Geo Group chairman and CEO, stated 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.” This highlights the financial incentive behind the policy shift, raising concerns about profit-driven surveillance.

Immigration advocacy groups argue that the expansion of ankle monitors lacks due process and subjects individuals to invasive tracking without proper justification. The lawsuit seeks to challenge this blanket approach, demanding individualized assessments before imposing such monitoring.

Comparison of ICE surveillance methods

Key takeaways from the ICE ankle monitor expansion

• Nearly 54,000 immigrants now wear GPS ankle monitors, up from 17,000 early last year.
• The shift is driven by a June 2025 ICE memo directing more ISAP participants to ankle monitors.
• Geo Group profits rise due to higher per-person costs of ankle monitors compared to other methods.
• A class-action lawsuit alleges the policy violates rights by imposing GPS tracking without individualized justification.
• Overall ISAP enrollment remains stable at about 184,000, but the mix of surveillance methods is changing.

Implications for immigrants and taxpayers

For immigrants, ankle monitors can be stigmatizing and restrictive, affecting their ability to work, travel, and maintain family life. The continuous GPS tracking raises privacy concerns, especially when applied broadly without clear evidence of flight risk or danger. For taxpayers, the increased cost per person means higher spending on surveillance, potentially diverting resources from other immigration services.

As the policy evolves, legal challenges and public scrutiny may shape its future. The outcome of the class-action lawsuit could set a precedent for how ICE uses electronic monitoring in immigration enforcement.

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