ICE Confirms Use of Spyware Tools for Investigations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement acknowledged last month that its surveillance tools include commercial spyware capable of remotely hacking phones. The agency said the tools have been approved for use by its Homeland Security Investigations team to target foreign terrorist groups and fentanyl traffickers.

Background on U.S.

It also issued an executive order limiting federal use of commercial spyware and led an international agreement to counter misuse of the tools. Those steps followed reports that foreign governments had used spyware to target human rights activists, journalists, and American officials.

The Trump administration lifted sanctions previously placed on three individuals linked to the spyware tool Predator. It also reinstated an ICE contract with Paragon Solutions that had been paused under the prior administration. Privacy advocates have expressed concern that additional restrictions, including those on NSO Group, could be lifted.

NSO Group, the maker of Pegasus spyware, has hired a close ally of President Trump as chairman and is lobbying the administration. The company said last fall that American investors had acquired it, though its current status remains unclear.

ICE signed a $2 million contract with Paragon Solutions in 2024 for an unspecified product. The contract was placed on hold by the Biden administration to review compliance with a 2023 executive order on spyware use. The Trump administration reinstated the contract last August.

A federal procurement notice dated January 20 shows the contract was later closed out. Democratic lawmakers requested records on ICE's spyware use last fall. ICE's departing acting director responded on April 1 that the agency had approved spyware use by Homeland Security Investigations, though the specific tool was not named.

Julie Mao, an attorney with Just Futures Law, said the contract closure notice raises more questions than answers. Her organization is seeking records under the Freedom of Information Act. The agency did not respond to follow-up questions about whether it still has access to Paragon-developed tools.