More Immigrants Under Surveillance by ICE’s Chicago Field Office Than Ever Before, Data Analysis Finds
The number of people being monitored electronically by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Chicago field office has grown by 556% in the past five years, data analysis shows. As of last month, 19,160 people were being monitored, up from 2,921 in September 2019.
Yudis, a 46-year-old Venezuelan immigrant, was placed on an ankle monitor nearly a year ago after crossing the southern border into the United States with her then-15-year-old pregnant daughter. She says the monitor has caused her physical and emotional distress, including swelling, menstrual cycle changes, and nosebleeds.
Why the Increase in Monitoring?
ICE’s monitoring of immigrants started to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. The passage of Illinois Way Forward, which banned local jails from detaining people facing deportation, may also be a factor, he adds.
Alternatives to Detention
ICE’s monitoring programs aim to provide an alternative to detention, but immigration advocates argue that the technology can be misleading and stigmatizing. "It’s not an alternative to detention; it’s just a different way of detaining people," says Karina Solano, a Chicago-based immigration community organizer.
Long-term Health Effects Uncertain
Immigrants like Yudis are concerned about the long-term health effects of electronic monitoring, including physical and mental side effects. According to an academic article, "Immigration Detention Abolition and the Violence of Digital Cages," published this year in the University of Colorado Law Review, some immigrants have reported aches, cramps, and anxiety related to the monitoring technology.
FAQs
Q: Why is ICE increasing its monitoring of immigrants?
A: The agency’s monitoring of immigrants started to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the passage of Illinois Way Forward, which banned local jails from detaining people facing deportation, may be a factor.
Q: What are the long-term health effects of electronic monitoring?
A: The long-term health effects of electronic monitoring are uncertain, but some immigrants have reported physical and mental side effects, including aches, cramps, and anxiety.
Q: Can immigrants opt out of electronic monitoring?
A: It is unclear how immigrants can opt out of electronic monitoring, as ICE does not provide clear guidelines for removal from the program.
