Overview
- Federal documents describe a plan to hire nearly 30 private analysts to monitor public posts across Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Reddit.
- Operations would run from ICE’s National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center in Williston, Vermont, and the Pacific Enforcement Response Center in Santa Ana, California, with continuous 24/7 coverage at the Pacific site.
- Analysts would combine open-source content with commercial databases such as LexisNexis Accurint and Thomson Reuters CLEAR, with plans to incorporate artificial intelligence for automated detection and analysis.
- The plan envisions multiyear contracts, an annual technology budget exceeding $1 million, a 30‑day stand‑up after award, and rapid turnarounds including 30‑minute responses for top‑priority targets.
- ICE states it uses technology while respecting civil liberties and privacy interests, while rights advocates warn of invasive mass monitoring, and no operational start date has been announced.