ICE acknowledges it is using powerful spyware
6 hours ago
- #immigration enforcement
- #digital privacy
- #surveillance
- ICE confirmed using spyware tool Graphite to intercept encrypted messages in efforts against fentanyl traffickers.
- The spyware employs zero-click technology, enabling access to devices without user interaction, previously linked to targeting journalists and civil society.
- ICE's use raises concerns over potential abuse against immigrants, activists, and journalists within the U.S., with insufficient legal oversight and regulations.
- The tool's deployment follows a revived contract under the Trump administration, despite prior pauses under Biden's executive order on commercial spyware risks.
- Civil liberties advocates warn that ICE could misuse administrative subpoenas to deploy the malware against domestic protests, lacking strong judicial safeguards.