ICE Plans to Launch 24/7 Social Media Surveillance Unit Powered by AI

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a plan to create a full-time surveillance team that will monitor social media platforms around the clock. The goal is to identify and track potential suspects before they become major security threats. This initiative aims to strengthen national safety through faster intelligence gathering and early intervention.

Inside the Initiative

The plan surfaced through public documents outlining ICE’s early-stage efforts. The agency intends to hire private contractors to scan platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Reddit for evidence that could support arrests and deportations. Currently, ICE has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to attract qualified contractors. The document also defines the project’s scope, including monitoring activity across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and other popular platforms.

How the Team Will Operate

The surveillance team will work under tight deadlines. In urgent cases, members must generate leads within 30 minutes—especially for ICE’s Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives. For low-priority investigations, the deadline extends to eight hours. Operations will be based at two locations: the National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center (NCATC) in Vermont and the Pacific Enforcement Response Center (PERC) in California. Together, they will employ over 25 full-time personnel to ensure continuous coverage. ICE is looking to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance speed and efficiency. AI tools will detect suspicious online behavior, monitor posts in real time, and predict potential movements of fugitives. This marks a shift toward smarter, data-driven law enforcement. However, critics argue that such use of AI could threaten personal privacy and increase the risk of misuse.

Growing Privacy Concerns

Many civil rights advocates have expressed concern. They believe constant monitoring of online spaces violates digital privacy rights. ICE has already faced backlash for using facial recognition technology in the past. Experts warn that this expansion could blur the line between safety and surveillance, potentially affecting individuals who have never been charged with a crime.

What It Means for Pakistan

If a system like ICE’s is replicated in Pakistan, privacy and civil liberties could face new challenges. Pakistan already operates digital surveillance tools such as the Lawful Intercept Management System (LIMS) and the WMS 2.0 firewall. These systems, partly managed by foreign contractors, monitor millions of online sessions with little transparency. While courts in Pakistan have tried to limit unauthorized surveillance, existing laws still allow broad monitoring powers. Enforcement remains weak and inconsistent. A model similar to ICE’s—featuring AI-assisted tracking and real-time monitoring—could amplify existing privacy concerns. Without stronger legal safeguards, it may also discourage free speech and lead to misuse of data.

Conclusion: The Need for Transparency

To prevent overreach, governments must balance security with citizens’ rights. Clear laws, independent oversight, and transparent digital policies can help build public trust. When citizens understand how and why surveillance happens, they are more likely to support national security initiatives responsibly.