This is how ICE's virtual raids work: the invisible 'spying' that is everywhere in the USA.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has modernized its methods of immigration control through the use of digital operations that many experts describe as "virtual raids." These actions, which are carried out without immediate physical contact, employ advanced technology and data analysis to track, identify, and locate undocumented immigrants in the United States. This sophisticated invisible "espionage" has become a key tool for the agency, expanding its reach and effectiveness in the digital age.

One of the pillars of these operations is access to databases. ICE obtains information from various sources, including driver's licenses, criminal records, and employment records. In states where undocumented immigrants can obtain legal documents, this data becomes particularly relevant. By consolidating information from multiple official records, the agency can build a detailed profile of individuals and detect inconsistencies or patterns indicating their irregular immigration status.

Another fundamental component is the use of facial recognition and surveillance technologies. Tools like Clearview AI and Vigilant Solutions allow ICE to analyze images obtained from social networks, security cameras, and traffic systems. This automated analysis tracks the movements and locations of people, facilitating the identification of possible undocumented immigrants. The accuracy and speed of these technologies have transformed the way investigations are conducted, making tracking virtually continuous and in real time.

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Social media monitoring also plays a crucial role in these virtual raids. ICE investigates platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where profiles are created and posts, photos, and locations are shared. The agency uses fake profiles and analysis tools to identify behavior patterns, relationships, and movements that may expose individuals in irregular situations.

This practice has generated controversy, as it highlights how the privacy of users can be compromised without their knowledge. In addition, collaboration with private companies intensifies the reach of these virtual raids. Companies like Palantir and LexisNexis sell ICE personal information, financial records, and other sensitive data without the consent of citizens.

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This alliance between the public and private sectors allows the agency to obtain an even broader and more detailed database, strengthening its surveillance capabilities. To achieve this, the use of cameras and license plate readers complements the monitoring system. These devices allow for tracking vehicles and mobility patterns in strategic areas, facilitating the location and detention of individuals suspected of immigration irregularities.