ICE Implements a Major Data Collection Program

DHS has created and implemented a number of technology and data-driven programs to assist in locating, tracking, and removing foreign nationals. Last year, ICE began developing a data collection program that would assist in their interior immigration enforcement efforts. The program collects and analyzes varied data related to targeted individuals, essentially modernizing the gathering of utility bills, driving records, insurance claims, phone numbers and addresses, and other public and private information that ICE already uses. This includes access to local jail bookings, now available through the Secure Communities executive order. However, due to the aggressive surge in interior enforcement operations, the data has become so massive that ICE has to outsource the workload. Included in the contract terms was the capability to track up to 500,000 people at one time.