The Unusual Nonprofit That Helps ICE Spy on Wire Transfers
16 days ago
- #privacy
- #immigration
- #surveillance
- ICE uses the TRAC database to track undocumented immigrants through financial transactions.
- TRAC contains over 340 million wire transfer records, including sender and recipient details.
- Arizona's state attorney general powers TRAC with administrative subpoenas, bypassing judicial oversight.
- Privacy advocates criticize TRAC for disproportionately targeting immigrants and lacking safeguards.
- ICE has heavily utilized TRAC, contributing data and funding its operations.
- TRAC's origins trace back to 2006, expanding under successive Arizona attorneys general.
- The database's $500 threshold for tracking transactions is criticized as insufficient to protect privacy.
- TRAC operates as a nonprofit but maintains close ties with law enforcement agencies.
- Legal challenges against TRAC have been dismissed, with current AG Kris Mayes defending its use.
- Mayes' administration has increased secrecy around TRAC, withholding operational details.