Sen. Peters wants to know why ICE bought spyware that can take control of phones

Senator Gary Peters, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, is demanding an explanation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding its acquisition of commercial spyware. The tool, identified as Graphite and developed by Paragon Solutions (now owned by REDLattice), reportedly costs $2 million and possesses the capability to covertly control mobile phones, in addition to collecting messages, photographs, and location data. Peters described the purchase as "one of the most significant expansions of DHS and ICE's surveillance ambitions to date," raising alarms about potential civil liberties infringements and risks to U.S. national security. He specifically highlighted public reports indicating that journalists and civil society members in several countries have been targeted by similar technology. While not alleging ICE has used Graphite against Americans, Peters seeks to know if the software has been deployed domestically, who has been targeted, and the legal basis for its use. He expressed deep concern about how Graphite might be employed within the United States, particularly in light of existing worries about ICE's data collection on activities protected by the First Amendment, such as protests and social media posts. The senator has requested details on the number and location of individuals targeted, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, and the rationale behind the procurement. He also inquired about any data sharing with other government entities, companies, or nonprofits. Peters' committee staff had previously sought briefings from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE without receiving substantive responses, leading to his current demand for an immediate briefing and documents by August 7.

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one of the most significant expansions of DHS and ICE's surveillance ambitions to date