We Sued ICE to Get Its Spyware Contract. The Agency Redacted Nearly Everything
3 hours ago
- #government transparency
- #privacy rights
- #surveillance
- 404 Media obtained documents through a lawsuit revealing ICE's $2 million contract with spyware company Paragon.
- Paragon's Graphite spyware can remotely hack phones and access encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp.
- Documents show heavy redactions, including pricing details and Paragon's claims of ethical practices and operational security.
- ICE's Acting Director cited fentanyl trafficking and terrorist use of encrypted platforms as reasons for purchasing the spyware.
- The contract was frozen under Biden, reactivated under Trump, and closed in January 2025, with ICE stating no current relationship with Paragon.