US Senator demands ICE reveal targets of phone-hacking spyware

U.S. Senator Gary Peters is calling on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to disclose full details about its acquisition and use of commercial spyware capable of infiltrating mobile phones undetected. Peters expressed his concerns in a letter dated July 23, 2026, questioning a $2 million direct contract for Graphite technology, developed by spyware firm Paragon Solutions.

The senator, a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, described the acquisition as a significant expansion of surveillance capabilities for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. He highlighted that Graphite is a potent and invasive cyber tool. Unlike typical phone extraction devices that require physical access, Graphite can reportedly exploit security vulnerabilities to access data directly from target phones, including conversations on encrypted apps, and can even activate microphones and cameras without the owner's awareness.

Previous investigations by Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto found forensic evidence that Graphite utilized zero-click attacks via iMessage. Apple has stated that the vulnerability exploited in such cases has been patched since the iOS 18.3.1 update. Senator Peters is demanding ICE clarify whether Graphite has been used within the United States, how many U.S. citizens and foreign nationals have been targeted, their locations at the time of targeting, and the justification for using the spyware in each instance. He also seeks an explanation of the legal basis for ICE's operation of this technology and whether data obtained has been shared with other agencies or entities, domestically or abroad. Additionally, Peters inquired about the supply chain security, asking if system and software updates for Graphite undergo independent checks to prevent foreign infiltration or manipulation.

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Graphite is a very powerful and invasive cyber tool.