ICE expands use of iris scanners in its operations through a multi-million-dollar contract

ICE is expanding biometric identification infrastructure amid growing concerns about surveillance and privacy in immigration enforcement. ICE entered an agreement with BI2 Technologies for iris scanners, access to private biometric databases, and real-time verification tools for field agents. The no-bid contract is valued at about $25 million and expands a prior agreement signed in 2025. Contract documents call for more than 1,500 iris-scanning devices and continuous access to systems for rapid identification during immigration enforcement and detention operations. The technology uses iris recognition based on unique eye patterns. The contract also includes access to mobile platforms and BI2-operated databases, with virtually unlimited access, bulk searches, and record downloads. Devices are required to be distributed nationwide quickly, with thousands ready for field deployment, and the supplier must keep the system operational for 12 months.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is significantly expanding its biometric identification infrastructure. According to NPR, the agency entered into an agreement with BI2 Technologies, a company specializing in biometric technology, that includes the deployment of iris scanners, access to private databases, and real-time verification tools for field agents. The no-bid contract, valued at approximately $25 million, represents a major expansion of a previous agreement signed in 2025."

"According to the contract documents, ICE will receive more than 1,500 iris-scanning devices, as well as continuous access to biometric systems designed for the rapid identification of individuals during immigration enforcement and detention operations. The system relies on iris recognition technology, a method that identifies individuals based on unique patterns in their eyes, which are considered as distinctive as fingerprints. In addition to the hardware, the contract includes access to mobile platforms and databases operated by BI2."

"The contract documents also indicate that access will be virtually unlimited. ICE will be able to perform bulk searches and download records. The system will run on mobile and desktop platforms compatible with Microsoft, Apple, and Android. Similarly, the agreement stipulates that the devices must be distributed to ICE facilities nationwide within a short period, with thousands of units ready for deployment in the field."

"It also specifies that the supplier must ensure the system remains operational throughout the 12-month contract period. BI2 Technologies, a Massachusetts-based company, is responsible for developing the IRIS (Inmate Identificatio"

Read at english.elpais.com