ICE’s $10 Million Data Deal Sparks Outrage Over Immigrant Surveillance Loopholes

Washington D.C., Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is under fire for a $10 million contract to buy immigrants’ tax identifiers from a data broker, bypassing court orders blocking direct government access. Senator Ron Wyden calls it a deliberate attempt to fuel mass deportations, raising alarms about privacy violations and government overreach. With 90% of ICE’s investigative workforce redirected to immigration enforcement, critics warn of a systemic shift toward surveillance-driven policies. The move underscores a growing trend of agencies exploiting legal gray areas to acquire sensitive data, with implications for businesses, tech firms, and millions of undocumented taxpayers contributing billions annually.