Neither radars nor cameras: this is ICE’s new strategy that alerts them to migrants
ICE has purchased “cell site simulators,” which can be used to spy on nearby phones and track their locations.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could enhance its immigration enforcement operations with a new technological strategy that would allow the agency to “spy” on nearby phones and track their locations.
This week, the tech-focused site TechCrunch reported that ICE paid $825,000 to a company that manufactures devices capable of intercepting phone signals and tracking users’ locations—tools that could aid the agency in continuing enforcement policies from the Trump administration.
Public records reviewed by the site show that ICE signed a contract with TechOps Specialty Vehicles (TOSV), a Maryland-based company that sells vehicles outfitted with various law enforcement technologies, including fake cell towers known as “cell site simulators.”
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), cell site simulators—also called Stingrays or IMSI catchers—are “devices that impersonate legitimate cell phone towers,” tricking phones into connecting to the device instead of an actual tower.
The EFF explains that cell phones are designed to connect to the strongest available signal. To achieve this, cell site simulators emit signals that are stronger—or appear stronger—than those from real towers.
These devices allow for more precise tracking of phones. Advanced versions can also intercept communications, raising questions about their legality.
Related stories
When a phone connects to a simulator, the device can access user data, including location and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), a unique number assigned to every mobile phone user in the world. More intrusive simulators, known as “spoofers,” can also access call logs, call duration, the content of phone calls, unencrypted text messages, and some other data such as visited websites.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.