In this follow-up discussion to my recent blog post on Alternatives to Detention (ATD), I walk through the key findings from an internal ICE memo reported by the Washington Post, which reveals the Trump administration's push to dramatically expand GPS ankle monitor usage for immigrants.
In this session, I break down the history of electronic monitoring since 2004, explain the different technologies ICE uses (GPS ankle monitors, SmartLink smartphone app, VeriWatch, and telephonic reporting), and analyze what the shift away from smartphone-based monitoring toward ankle monitors means for both immigrants and taxpayers.
Key topics covered include the misleading nature of "alternatives to detention" (which ICE admits is not actually an alternative to detention), the cost implications of switching technologies (potentially doubling daily expenses to over $500,000), and the industry connections between monitoring contractors like GeoGroup and the current administration.
I also address important terminology issues—like why we shouldn't call these devices "ankle bracelets" and whether ATD is truly “consensual”—and discuss the political motivations behind this policy change.
I also respond to viewer questions about immigration judge authority, data quality issues I've encountered in ICE's reporting, and the broader implications of expanding electronic surveillance of immigrants.
For the complete analysis, data visualizations, cost breakdowns, and extensive list of additional resources on electronic monitoring, visit the original blog post. This discussion provides helpful context and background that didn't make it into the written piece.
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