截至2026年，美國移民及海關執法局（ICE）在執法模式上已出現明顯轉變，逐步從傳統的人力追查與現場盤查，升級為高度依賴科技的「數位化執法體系」。在國會預算與國土安全部整體戰略支持下，ICE於近年投入數十億美元，建構一套橫跨虛擬世界與實體空間的全方位監控與資料分析網絡，其規模與精密程度在美國聯邦執法機構中名列前茅。

在身分識別與第一線執法層面，生物識別技術已成為ICE的核心工具之一。ICE 大量部署由BI2 Technologies等公司開發的行動虹膜與臉部掃描系統，例如MORIS與I.R.I.S.，執法人員只需使用攜帶式設備，即可在街頭、工地或臨時檢查點，於數秒內比對個人的虹膜或臉部特徵，迅速確認其身分是否與移民資料庫中的紀錄相符。搭配使用的Mobile Fortify行動應用程式，進一步將指紋、人臉掃描與國土安全部的後端系統直接串聯，使執法人員在沒有拘留或正式問訊的情況下，也能即時判斷一個人是否屬於「逾期居留」或被標記為關注對象。

在資料分析與決策層面，人工智慧與大數據已深度介入ICE的日常運作。ICE與多家資料分析公司簽署高額合約，利用AI系統全天候監控並分析社交媒體平台上每日數以十億計的公開貼文、圖片與影片。這些系統不僅能透過影像中的臉部特徵、背景細節或影片的中繼資料推測拍攝地點，還能藉由帳號互動關係與內容變化，重建個人的活動軌跡。另一方面，像ImmigrationOS這類預測性分析平台，則會整合來自稅務紀錄、出入境資料、旅遊歷史、通訊錄甚至消費行為的資訊，自動產生遣返優先順序，並為被監控對象建立「風險評分」，作為是否啟動進一步執法行動的重要依據。

在實體空間的監控與追蹤方面，ICE同樣大量倚賴位置定位與感測技術。透過採購Penlink等分析工具，ICE能夠彙整特定區域內的行動裝置訊號，描繪出個人在工作、居住與社交上的行動模式。再加上與地方警局及商業資料商合作，ICE得以存取遍布全美的自動車牌辨識系統（ALPR），幾乎可即時掌握特定車輛的移動路線。邊境地區則成為另一個技術密集部署的重點，2026年相關預算大幅投入於自主監控塔、地面感測器與反無人機系統，這些設備可在無需人力值守的情況下，自動偵測並回報疑似非法越境行為。

在數位取證與資料蒐集層面，ICE持續強化其對電子設備的破解與分析能力。透過與Cellebrite等數位鑑識公司續約，即便手機處於上鎖或加密狀態，執法單位仍有能力提取包括即時通訊軟體內容、定位歷史、照片與聯絡人資料在內的完整資訊。此外，ICE也透過跨機構資料共享協議，與國稅局（IRS）、社會安全局（SSA）等單位交換大量敏感紀錄，取得包含地址、銀行資訊與聯絡方式的資料，以追蹤那些刻意迴避官方系統、難以定位的目標。

整體而言，這套高科技執法網絡大幅提升ICE行動的速度、精準度與覆蓋範圍，使執法行為更具系統性與預測性。然而，也正因為其深度介入個人生活與數位足跡，美國國內對於隱私權、資料濫用與公民自由的爭議持續升溫。支持者認為這是因應現代移民流動與跨國犯罪的必要手段，批評者則警告，若缺乏透明監督與法律邊界，這種高度科技化的執法模式，可能對基本人權與民主價值造成長遠影響。

As of 2026, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly expanded its use of high-tech enforcement tools, investing billions of dollars to build a comprehensive digital and physical surveillance network. This modernized system reflects a major shift from traditional enforcement methods toward a data-driven, technology-based approach that covers both online activity and real-world movements.

At the frontline of identity verification and field enforcement, biometric technologies have become core instruments for ICE. The agency has widely deployed mobile iris and facial scanning systems developed by companies such as BI2 Technologies, including tools like MORIS and I.R.I.S. With these portable devices, officers can verify a person’s identity within seconds during street stops, workplace checks, or temporary inspection points. In addition, the Mobile Fortify app connects facial and fingerprint scans directly to the Department of Homeland Security’s backend databases, allowing officers to instantly determine whether an individual is flagged as an immigration concern or is potentially overstaying their visa—often without formal detention or questioning.

On the analytical side, artificial intelligence and big data have become deeply embedded in ICE’s daily operations. The agency has signed multi-million-dollar contracts with analytics firms to use AI systems that monitor and analyze billions of social media posts, images, and videos every day. These systems can identify individuals and locations through facial recognition, object detection, or metadata analysis, and can reconstruct a person’s movements by tracking account interactions and content patterns. Additionally, predictive analytics platforms such as ImmigrationOS integrate diverse data sources—tax records, travel histories, communication logs, and even consumer behavior—to automatically generate deportation priority lists and assign risk scores to individuals, guiding decisions about whether to escalate enforcement actions.

In terms of physical surveillance and tracking, ICE also relies heavily on location-based technologies and sensor systems. Tools like Penlink enable the agency to aggregate mobile device signals within specific communities, mapping out individuals’ daily routines and social networks. Coupled with partnerships with local law enforcement and commercial data providers, ICE has access to a nationwide network of automatic license plate readers (ALPR), allowing near-real-time tracking of vehicle movements. Along the U.S. border, the agency has intensified investments in autonomous monitoring towers, ground sensors, and anti-drone technology. These systems can detect suspected illegal crossings without continuous human supervision and immediately alert enforcement personnel.

For digital forensics and data extraction, ICE has strengthened its capabilities to access and analyze electronic devices. Through ongoing contracts with companies like Cellebrite, officers can extract comprehensive data—including messaging app contents, location history, photos, and contacts—even when devices are locked or encrypted. ICE also expands its reach through inter-agency data sharing agreements, obtaining large volumes of sensitive records from agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA). This enables the agency to track hard-to-locate individuals by accessing address information, financial records, and contact details.

Overall, this high-tech enforcement infrastructure has greatly increased ICE’s speed, precision, and reach, making operations more systematic and predictive. However, the deep intrusion into personal life and digital footprints has sparked growing controversy in the United States regarding privacy, data misuse, and civil liberties. Supporters argue that these tools are necessary to address modern migration flows and transnational crime, while critics warn that without transparent oversight and clear legal boundaries, this technology-driven enforcement model could pose long-term risks to human rights and democratic values.