New Tracking Device for Immigrants Piloted in Denver

Earlier this week, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that it would begin testing a new GPS monitoring device, worn on the wrist, as another tool in their “Alternatives to Detention” program. Approximately 50 individuals in the Denver area who are facing deportation will participate in the pilot program.

Two versions of the watch will be tested – one version that can be removed to charge the watch, or while the individual is sleeping, and another version that is non-removable and will trigger an alert with ICE if the individual attempts to remove it.

This new device adds another tracking option for ICE as it continues to dramatically increase the number of individuals the agency monitors. As of April 8, 2023, data provided by ICE shows that nearly 26,000 individuals are being detained, and over 280,000 families and single individuals are being monitored through the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. Data from previous years shows that numbers of those individuals and families enrolled in the ATD program have skyrocketed from just over 80,000 in September 2019 to nearly 380,000 in December 2022 before dropping to the current number.