Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly enlisting the aid of private contractors to monitor the internet and social media to identify threats to its agents and facilities.
A contract document obtained by The Intercept outlines plans to use various tools to conduct extensive surveillance online using third-party companies to avoid running afoul of privacy laws, among others.
The revelation has raised concerns that the surveillance could result in unlawful spying on and targeting of Americans – even those who simply criticize ICE.
The procurement document justifies the expanded surveillance program by citing increased threats to the agency’s leadership, personnel, and facilities coming from social media platforms and other corners of the internet.
“Over the last two years, ICE has experienced an increased level of external threat activity directed towards its Senior leaders, personnel and facilities,” the document reads, further noting that “Much of this threat activity originates from social media and online postings and has since expanded to physical attacks on ICE facilities and the homes of ICE employees.” […]
— Read More: townhall.com