U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has put out a call for information regarding “commercial Big Data and Ad Tech” solutions that can “directly support investigative activities.” This request, made public in the Federal Register, signals ICE’s interest in tools capable of managing and analyzing the increasing volumes of data related to criminal, civil, and regulatory documentation.
ICE aims to understand the ecosystem of existing and emerging products that can be compared to large providers of investigative data and legal risk analytics. The notice emphasizes the agency’s growing need for advanced technology in the face of vast amounts of information from multiple sources. However, the request lacks details on specific regulatory constraints or privacy standards that would apply, leaving uncertainty about what exact services or vendors ICE is evaluating.
This announcement marks a significant moment, as it appears to be the first time “ad tech” has been referenced in an official ICE request for information. The implication is clear: tools initially designed for digital advertising are now considered by governmental bodies for enforcement and surveillance purposes, a trend that raises important questions about privacy and ethics.
In a statement provided to media outlets, ICE clarified that the announcement is designed for informational gathering and planning. The agency emphasized its commitment to leveraging technology responsibly while balancing law enforcement needs with respect for civil liberties. “ICE uses technology to assist in investigations and apprehending criminals,” the statement noted, indicating a commitment to lawful practices.
Past procurement records show that ICE has utilized products offering extensive data analytics capabilities, including licenses for Palantir’s Gotham system, an investigative tool tailored for law enforcement. Additionally, the agency has engaged with products that provide location data, which includes information often harvested from mobile advertising. This kind of “Ad Tech” data encompasses a range of details about device usage, app activity, geographical locations, and browsing patterns.
ICE’s previous engagements with location data suppliers, such as Webloc, allow the agency to track mobile devices within specific geofenced areas for a designated time. Reports reveal that Webloc can filter data based on how location information was gathered—by GPS, WiFi, or IP address—helping investigators identify and analyze suspect behavior through mobile technology.
Moreover, ICE’s acquisitions have included using Venntel’s services, a company specializing in consumer location data analytics. Recent contract updates indicate that the Enforcement and Removal Operations division successfully utilized Venntel’s capabilities to gather detailed insights into digital devices, further underscoring the agency’s reliance on commercial data solutions.
Considering these developments, it appears ICE is adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Tactics such as initial access, persistence, and even privilege escalation could potentially relate to the methodologies used to gather and analyze this data in support of investigative work. As the agency evolves in its capabilities, the implications for privacy and regulatory compliance cannot be overlooked.
As ICE moves forward with its exploration of Big Data and Ad Tech, stakeholders must remain vigilant regarding how these practices intersect with privacy rights and ethical considerations in the landscape of law enforcement. The agency’s pursuit of advanced technological solutions may have far-reaching effects, not only on investigations but also on broader societal norms regarding data usage and privacy.
