ICE Explores AI Eye Scanning Tech For Deportations

ICE Eyes New AI for Immigration Enforcement

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly planning to acquire advanced AI technology designed to scan retinas, aiming to more effectively identify individuals for deportation. The move comes as the agency faces increasing pressure from the White House to enhance the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants. This initiative is supported by a congressional funding allocation set to hire an additional 10,000 agents, signaling a significant expansion of enforcement capabilities.

How the Iris Scanning Technology Works

The proposed technology centers on a mobile app that would empower agents to capture a photo of a person's eye from a distance of 10 to 15 feet. This image would then be instantly compared against a vast database, including photos already in government systems and, controversially, images scraped from public social media profiles. The goal is to provide a rapid, field-based identification method.

Experts Question Technological Accuracy

While the concept of biometric identification is not new, experts are raising serious doubts about the reliability of this specific application. Andrew Maynard, a professor specializing in advanced technology transitions at ASU, is skeptical.

“This idea of scanning the iris and using it as biometrics for identifying someone we know, we can do that. The question is, can you do it with an iPhone from a few meters distance? And all the evidence is no, you can’t. The phones are simply not that good,” Maynard stated. He emphasized that obtaining a clear, usable iris image requires ideal conditions, such as proper lighting, the subject's full cooperation, and a high-resolution camera—conditions rarely met in field situations.

Privacy and Ethical Dilemmas Arise

The potential for inaccuracy leads directly to ethical concerns. “It’s critical to know how accurate this is and what the provisions are that are in place if you get things wrong,” Maynard added, highlighting the need for robust oversight and clear protocols to handle misidentifications.

A former ICE agent, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed similar reservations, stating that the agency might be “getting ahead of their skis.” While acknowledging the app could be useful for identifying individuals already known to ICE, he pointed to major privacy risks. The practice of scanning social media photos could inadvertently sweep up data on law-abiding citizens. “AI is evolving so rapidly and the laws are not keeping up with the evolution,” he warned.

Official Stance from ICE

For its part, ICE has not officially confirmed any concrete plans to deploy this specific technology in the field. A spokesperson for the agency affirmed that ICE utilizes multiple forms of technology in its operations but does so while maintaining respect for civil rights and liberties.