President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office next year, equipped with advanced technological tools aimed at fulfilling his commitment to stricter immigration enforcement. These tools, which include surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI) systems, are already in use by the Biden administration to assist in monitoring, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants.
An October letter from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), obtained by The Associated Press, outlines how these technologies aid in making critical decisions regarding immigrants. One notable tool is an algorithm that assigns a “Hurricane Score” to individuals on a scale from 1 to 5. This score estimates the likelihood that an immigrant will evade supervision by the agency. According to Eric Hysen, the DHS Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, this scoring system evaluates factors such as an immigrant’s history of violations, their duration in the program, and whether they possess travel documents. Hysen clarified that while ICE officers consider this score, it does not dictate decisions on detention or deportation but rather informs human judgment.
In addition to the Hurricane Score, DHS utilizes a mobile application called SmartLINK. This app employs facial recognition technology and GPS tracking to monitor the locations of immigrants. Currently, around 200,000 undocumented individuals involved in removal proceedings are enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, which allows them to live in the U.S. while their immigration cases are pending. In exchange for this privilege, they are closely monitored through SmartLINK and GPS devices.
Earlier this year, Just Futures Law raised concerns with Hysen about the fairness of using algorithms like the Hurricane Score to assess flight risks and questioned how much data SmartLINK collects. Although AI systems are widely used, they often lack regulation and have been shown to exhibit biases based on race and gender.
DHS has stated its commitment to transparency in AI usage while safeguarding privacy and civil rights. The agency is working to comply with Biden administration guidelines on AI but noted that security officials might waive these requirements for specific uses. Trump has expressed intentions to reverse Biden’s AI policies when he assumes office.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized that AI is used to support personnel but is not the sole basis for law enforcement actions or benefit denials.
Trump has not detailed how he plans to execute his promise of deporting approximately 11 million undocumented individuals. He has suggested using wartime powers and military resources; however, logistical challenges remain significant. These include finding appropriate facilities for detained individuals and tracking those dispersed across the country—issues that AI surveillance tools could help address.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, did not provide specifics on how the new administration would utilize DHS technology but stated that Trump would leverage all available federal and state powers for what he calls “the largest deportation operation” in U.S. history.
Recently, over 100 civil society organizations urged the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that DHS complies with Biden’s guidelines on AI usage. The OMB confirmed that agencies must align their AI tools with these guidelines by December 1 and any extensions will be publicly disclosed.
Paromita Shah, executive director of Just Futures Law, warned that if immigrants are labeled as flight risks based on algorithms, they may face increased detention times, hindering their ability to prepare legal defenses in immigration court.
SmartLINK is part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), managed by BI Inc., a subsidiary of The GEO Group, which also operates ICE detention centers. While ICE remains tight-lipped about how it uses SmartLINK’s location features for apprehensions, records indicate that during Trump’s first term in 2018, BI Inc. employees provided GPS data that led to over 40 arrests.
A DHS report addressing privacy concerns mentioned that SmartLINK includes security measures to protect participant information but acknowledged risks of unauthorized data use for persistent monitoring.
Private prison companies have expressed optimism about opportunities under Trump’s administration. GEO Group’s executive chairman noted expectations for a more aggressive approach to border security and increased funding requests from Congress. The company claims it can expand its programs significantly if needed.
CoreCivic’s CEO also indicated interest in how the new administration might modify immigrant monitoring programs, viewing it as a chance for vendors to propose innovative solutions for better outcomes.
GEO Group did not respond to requests for comments regarding their future plans under Trump’s presidency. CoreCivic stated it has played a valuable role in America’s immigration system across different administrations for over four decades.
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