ICE has spent over $25M on iris scanners in no-bid contracts
4 hours ago
- #Immigration Enforcement
- #Privacy Concerns
- #Biometric Surveillance
- ICE awarded a $25 million no-bid contract to BI2 Technologies for iris scanners and database access, expanding their biometric data collection.
- Iris scanning is used to identify individuals in immigration enforcement, with concerns raised about privacy, potential abuse, and lack of oversight.
- An incident in Chicago involved officers allegedly scanning a detainee's irises during a raid, leading to her identification and deportation, highlighting enforcement tactics.
- Law enforcement, including sheriffs, use the technology for quick identification, but acknowledge risks of misuse and the need for balanced application.
- Privacy advocates warn that ICE could expand surveillance by adding iris scans to databases, citing past misuse of biometric data like DNA samples.
- DHS stated it uses all available tools for deportation efforts, supported by increased funding, including facial recognition and license plate readers.