In recent years, the United States has seen a sharp increase in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. And while the president’s rhetoric and policies have been the subject of much scrutiny, it’s important to also shine a light on the technology that has been fueling this deportation machine. From tracking devices to social media monitoring, the surveillance tech used by the government has proved to be a powerful tool in targeting student protesters and immigrants alike.
One of the most controversial forms of surveillance used by the Trump administration is the ankle monitor. These GPS-enabled devices are worn by immigrants awaiting deportation hearings, often for months or even years. According to a report by The Intercept, over 50,000 immigrants were forced to wear ankle monitors in the last fiscal year alone. These devices, which are often referred to as “electronic shackles”, not only restrict the movements of individuals but also cause psychological distress and physical harm. In some cases, they have even resulted in individuals being wrongfully deported due to faulty technology.
But it’s not just immigrants who are being targeted by surveillance tech. Student protesters have also become a prime target. In 2017, the Trump administration launched a program called “Operation Varsity Blues” to crack down on undocumented students attending universities. As part of this operation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used social media monitoring software to track the online activities of students who they suspected of being undocumented. This invasive tactic not only violates the privacy of individuals but also creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The use of facial recognition technology has also become increasingly prevalent in immigration enforcement. In 2017, the DHS signed a contract with a company called Clearview AI, which provides law enforcement agencies with access to a database of over 3 billion facial images scraped from social media platforms and other websites. This technology has been used to identify and track down protesters and undocumented immigrants, further fueling the deportation machine.
The post-9/11 era has seen a dramatic increase in the use of surveillance technology by the government, and the Trump administration has only amplified this trend. In addition to targeting immigrants and student protesters, the government has also used this technology to monitor and suppress dissent. In 2019, it was revealed that the DHS was monitoring the social media accounts of journalists, activists, and even a comedian who had criticized the administration’s policies.
The widespread use of surveillance technology raises serious concerns about privacy and civil liberties. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been at the forefront of fighting against this unjust use of technology. The organization has filed numerous lawsuits challenging the use of tracking devices, facial recognition technology, and social media monitoring by the government. In a statement, the ACLU said, “The Trump administration has weaponized surveillance technology to target and intimidate communities of color, immigrants, and dissenters. We must hold them accountable and fight to protect our rights and privacy.”
The use of surveillance technology has also faced criticism from lawmakers and tech experts. In a hearing on facial recognition technology, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that the algorithms used in this technology are biased and often misidentify people of color, leading to false arrests and deportations. And a group of over 85 tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, have called for a ban on the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement.
As the use of surveillance technology continues to expand, it’s crucial that we hold our government accountable and demand transparency. We must also support organizations like the ACLU in their fight to protect our rights and privacy. And most importantly, we must remember that behind every number and statistic, there are real people whose lives are being impacted by this technology. It’s time to put an end to the Trump administration’s deportation machine and create a more just and humane immigration system.
