ICE Plans to Shackle 180,000 Immigrants with GPS Ankle Monitors

In 2025, ICE plans to vastly increase GPS ankle monitor use in its Alternatives to Detention program, surveilling up to 180,000 immigrants. Supported by large federal funding, the policy aims to accelerate deportations but raises privacy and fairness concerns from advocacy groups.

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Key takeaways

ICE aims to expand GPS ankle monitors to 180,000 ATD immigrants by July 2025, up from 24,000.
Congress funded $75 billion for ICE, supporting 10,000 new agents and mass deportation efforts.
Electronic monitoring includes ankle monitors, SmartLINK app, and wrist devices with facial recognition.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ordered a major expansion of GPS ankle monitors and other electronic tracking for immigrants, aiming to shackle up to 180,000 people in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. This directive, issued in July 2025, marks a sharp increase in surveillance and control of non-detained immigrants, with the Trump administration pushing for faster and larger-scale deportations.

ICE’s New Directive: What’s Changing and Who’s Affected

ICE Plans to Shackle 180,000 Immigrants with GPS Ankle Monitors
ICE Plans to Shackle 180,000 Immigrants with GPS Ankle Monitors

In June 2025, ICE sent an internal memo to its agents. The message was clear: place GPS ankle monitors on all eligible adults in the ATD program “whenever possible.” This means that nearly every adult not held in a detention center but still under ICE supervision could soon be tracked 24/7. As of July 2025, about 183,000 adults are enrolled in ATD, but only 24,000 were wearing ankle monitors before this new push. Now, almost all could be required to wear these devices.

The ATD program covers adults waiting for their immigration cases to move through the courts. These individuals are not in detention centers but must still follow strict rules. ICE’s new policy aims to maximize electronic monitoring, making it easier to find and deport people quickly.

Why Is ICE Expanding GPS Ankle Monitors?

The Trump administration says this move will increase accountability and public safety. ICE leaders, including Acting Director Todd Lyons and acting assistant director Dawnisha Helland, argue that more monitoring will help the agency reach its goal of 1 million deportations by the end of 2025. In the first half of the year, ICE deported nearly 150,000 people—about 800 each day.

To support this effort, Congress passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” giving ICE an extra $45 billion for operations and $30 billion for deportations. This funding will also pay for 10,000 new ICE agents and more electronic monitoring equipment.

How Does Electronic Monitoring Work?

ICE uses several types of technology to keep track of immigrants in the ATD program:

  • GPS Ankle Monitors: These are the main tool. The device is locked around the ankle and tracks the person’s location at all times.
  • SmartLINK App: Some people use a smartphone app that requires daily check-ins, location sharing, and sometimes video calls.
  • Wrist-Worn GPS Devices: In June 2025, ICE started testing new wristbands in Denver. These devices track location, use facial recognition, and allow messaging between ICE and the wearer. They are designed to be less noticeable than ankle monitors.

Reporting and Compliance Requirements

People in the ATD program must follow strict rules:

  • Frequent Check-Ins: ICE has increased how often people must check in, both in person and remotely. Missing a check-in can lead to arrest or deportation.
  • Movement Restrictions: Many must stay within certain areas and get permission to travel or work outside approved zones.
  • Curfews: Some, especially heads of household in the Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) process, have curfews and must be home during certain hours.

How Long Does Monitoring Last?

The length of time someone must wear a GPS ankle monitor varies. It can last for months or even years, depending on how quickly their case moves and whether they follow all the rules. If a person shows they are following the rules and making progress in their case, their lawyer can ask ICE to remove the monitor or reduce supervision.

Consequences for Breaking the Rules

⚠️ Important
Missing a scheduled check-in or violating movement restrictions can lead to immediate arrest or deportation. Always adhere to the rules set by ICE to avoid severe consequences.

If someone misses a check-in, leaves the approved area, or breaks other rules, ICE can arrest them, put them in detention, or deport them quickly. These strict consequences are meant to make sure people follow the program’s rules.

Who Makes the Technology?

BI, a company owned by the GEO Group, is the main contractor providing GPS ankle monitors and other tracking technology. The company has a multi-billion-dollar contract with ICE. As ICE expands its use of electronic monitoring, BI and other technology providers stand to gain even more business.

What Do ICE Officials Say?

ICE spokeswoman Emily Covington calls ankle monitors an “enforcement tool.” She says the new policy is meant to increase accountability and help ICE meet its deportation goals. ICE leaders argue that electronic monitoring is necessary to keep track of so many people outside detention centers.

What Do Critics Say?

Many legal experts and immigrant advocacy groups strongly oppose the expansion of GPS ankle monitors and other electronic surveillance. They argue:

  • Privacy Concerns: Electronic monitoring invades people’s private lives, tracking their every move.
  • No Proof of Better Results: Studies show that electronic monitoring does not improve court appearance rates compared to less invasive methods.
  • Expanding the Carceral State: Critics say this policy turns homes and communities into extensions of the prison system, especially when private companies profit from the technology.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these concerns are likely to lead to more legal challenges and public debate as the policy expands.

Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?

The ATD program started in 2004 as a way to supervise immigrants outside detention centers. Under President Biden, the program grew as a “humane” alternative to detention. However, both the number of people in detention and those under electronic monitoring have increased. The idea that ATD would replace detention has not come true; instead, both systems have grown side by side.

Now, under President Trump, the program is being used more aggressively. The focus has shifted from offering an alternative to detention to using technology to control and deport as many people as possible.

Family Units and Special Cases

Families are also affected by the new policy. Under the FERM process, certain heads of household are placed on ATD technology, usually with ankle monitors and curfews. This means that even families with children are subject to strict electronic monitoring.

Legal Options for Immigrants

Immigrants who feel the monitoring is unfair or too harsh can ask their lawyer to request changes. Lawyers can argue for the removal of ankle monitors or for less strict supervision if their clients have followed all the rules and made progress in their cases.

If you or someone you know is affected, it’s important to seek legal help. Attorneys can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights. For more information on the ATD program and legal assistance, you can visit the official ICE ATD Program Information page.

What’s Next? Future Plans and Challenges

ICE is not stopping with ankle monitors. The agency is looking for new technology, including more advanced biometric devices and less visible tracking tools. ICE is also seeking new contracts with technology companies to expand its monitoring network.

The Trump administration has made it clear that it wants to keep increasing the number of people under electronic monitoring and to speed up deportations. Congress has provided the money and support to make this happen.

However, advocacy groups and legal experts are preparing to fight these changes in court. They argue that the policy violates privacy and due process rights and that it does not make communities safer.

How Does This Affect Immigrants and Their Families?

The expansion of GPS ankle monitors and other electronic surveillance has a big impact on daily life:

  • Stress and Anxiety: Wearing an ankle monitor can be embarrassing and stressful. It can make it hard to find work, go to school, or take care of family.
  • Movement Limits: People often need special permission to travel, even for work or family emergencies.
  • Long Waits: Some people wear monitors for years while waiting for their cases to finish.
  • Family Impact: Children and other family members may also feel the effects, especially if a parent is under strict curfew or cannot attend important events.

What Are the Main Arguments For and Against the Policy?

ICE and the Administration Say:

  • Electronic monitoring helps keep track of people who might not show up for court.
  • It increases public safety by making it easier to find and deport people who break the rules.
  • The policy supports the administration’s goal of mass deportations.

Legal and Advocacy Groups Say:

  • Electronic monitoring is invasive and treats people like criminals, even if they have not broken any laws.
  • There is no strong evidence that ankle monitors improve court appearance rates.
  • The policy expands the prison system into people’s homes and communities.
  • Private companies profit from the suffering of immigrants.

Technology Providers:

  • Companies like BI and the GEO Group benefit from large government contracts.
  • As ICE expands monitoring, these companies stand to make billions of dollars.

Key Data at a Glance (as of July 24, 2025):

  • 183,000 adults enrolled in ATD
  • 24,000 currently wearing GPS ankle monitors
  • ~180,000 targeted for GPS monitoring under the new directive
  • 150,000 deportations in the first half of 2025
  • $75 billion in new funding for ICE operations and deportations
  • 10,000 new ICE agents to be hired

Where to Get Help and More Information

If you are in the ATD program or worried about electronic monitoring, you can:

  • Contact your local ICE ERO field office. There are 25 offices across the country. Find details at ice.gov/ero.
  • Visit the ICE ATD Program Information page for answers to common questions.
  • Seek legal help. For advice on check-ins and monitoring, you can contact De Maio Law at (786) 232-9120 or [email protected].

Looking Ahead: What Should Immigrants and Advocates Do?

As ICE expands its use of GPS ankle monitors and other electronic surveillance, immigrants and their families face new challenges. It’s important to:

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest policies and requirements by checking the official ICE website.
  • Follow All Rules: Make sure to attend all check-ins and follow movement restrictions to avoid arrest or deportation.
  • Seek Legal Advice: If you believe the monitoring is unfair or too strict, talk to a lawyer about your options.
  • Know Your Rights: Advocacy groups and legal experts can help you understand your rights and fight for fair treatment.

The debate over electronic monitoring and Alternatives to Detention is likely to continue. As ICE pushes for more control and faster deportations, legal and advocacy groups will keep challenging the policy in court and in public discussions.

Conclusion: What This Means for the Future

The expansion of GPS ankle monitors by ICE is a major change in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles immigration enforcement. While the administration says it will increase accountability and public safety, many worry about privacy, fairness, and the impact on families. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming months will likely see more legal battles, new technology, and ongoing debate about the best way to balance immigration enforcement with respect for human rights.

For now, immigrants in the ATD program must prepare for stricter rules and more surveillance. Staying informed, following the rules, and seeking legal help are the best ways to protect yourself and your family during these uncertain times.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.
Alternatives to Detention (ATD) → A program supervising immigrants outside detention centers using electronic monitoring and check-ins.
GPS Ankle Monitor → A device worn on the ankle tracking an individual’s location 24/7 for supervision.
SmartLINK App → A smartphone application requiring daily check-ins and location sharing for monitored immigrants.
Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) → A process monitoring heads of household in detained families with curfews and tracking.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE’s July 2025 directive expands GPS ankle monitor use to nearly 180,000 immigrants in the Alternatives to Detention program, intensifying surveillance to speed deportations amid legal and privacy concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Jim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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