ICE using mass surveillance database from local police to track undocumented immigrants, records reveal
SAN FRANCISCO — The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California has released records revealing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has gained access to an expansive surveillance database to target immigrants. The documents also reveal that local law enforcement agencies are aiding ICE in the surveillance efforts by sharing residents’ location information with ICE agents, sometimes in direct violation of local privacy laws or sanctuary policies.
The documents were obtained by the ACLU of Northern California through a Freedom of Information Actlawsuit filed in May 2018.
“It is appalling that ICE has added this mass surveillance database to its arsenal, and that local law enforcement agencies and private companies are aiding the agency in its surveillance efforts,” said Vasudha Talla, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California. “Local law enforcement agencies must immediately stop sharing their residents' information with this rogue and immoral agency.”