Overview

• A Federal Procurement Data System update dated August 30 indicates the modification lifting the stop‑work order on ICE’s contract with Paragon Solutions.
• The procurement covers Paragon’s Graphite platform, which reporting says can penetrate mobile phones, access encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal, track location, and activate microphones and cameras.
• The deal was originally signed in late 2024 under the Biden administration and was paused for a compliance review tied to an executive order limiting agency use of commercial spyware.
• ICE has not explained how it intends to deploy the tool, and both the agency and Paragon did not respond to requests for comment in the reporting.
• Researchers and civil‑liberties advocates warn of privacy and free‑speech risks, pointing to prior reported targeting in Italy and WhatsApp’s 2025 disclosure of a hacking campaign linked to Paragon.