Post Reports Why more immigrants are being tracked with ankle monitors – and who profits
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Jul 30, 2025 Douglas MacMillan, a corporate accountability reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the controversial expansion of ICE’s GPS ankle monitor program, affecting 183,000 immigrants. He discusses the emotional turmoil faced by those monitored, including stigma and daily struggles. MacMillan highlights the profit motives of private companies like BI Inc. and GeoGroup, examining the ethical implications behind this surveillance. The conversation raises crucial questions about government oversight and the intersections of technology, immigration, and corporate interests.
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ICE Expands Ankle Monitor Use
- ICE's Alternatives to Detention program monitors about 180,000 immigrants, with only a small portion using ankle monitors before.
- The new policy mandates ankle monitors for nearly all enrolled, increasing invasive surveillance.
ICE's Sudden Monitoring Shift
- ICE surprised immigrants by shifting them to ankle monitors without clear explanation or prior warning.
- Pregnant women are exempted but use wrist GPS devices instead.
ICE Claims and Immigrant Compliance
- ICE claims ankle monitors prevent immigrants from disappearing after release, countering previous "catch and release" policies.
- However, studies show most immigrants comply and attend all court appearances voluntarily.