The For-Profit Immigration Surveillance State: How Surveillance Capitalism Took Over ICE

Author

Maurizio Guerrero, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2024

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

International Migration Studies

Advisor

Monica Varsanyi

Subject Categories

Criminology | Migration Studies

Keywords

surveillance, capitalism, immigration, ICE, data brokers, electronic monitoring

Abstract

This study investigates the emergence of the for-profit immigration surveillance state within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the U.S. By analyzing the roles of key tech corporations like LexisNexis Risk Solutions and B.I. Inc., a subsidiary of GEO Group, the largest private prison company in the U.S., this research exposes the intricate mechanisms through which personal data is extracted, repackaged, and sold, perpetuating a cycle of surveillance and control. Using the framework of surveillance capitalism, it examines how surveillance corporations have significantly influenced immigration enforcement, transforming ICE into a vehicle for profit-driven surveillance. The for-profit immigration surveillance state operates with minimal regulation, facilitated by the collaboration between tech corporations and government agencies, thereby circumventing legal obligations and fostering a culture of secrecy and impunity. This article emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the full extent of tech corporations' influence on immigration policies and the implications of increasingly ubiquitous technologies like artificial intelligence and geolocation tracking. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between surveillance capitalism and immigration enforcement, shedding light on the profound societal implications of the for-profit immigration surveillance state. It calls for greater scrutiny and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies, as well as continued investigation into the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement in the digital age.

Recommended Citation

Guerrero, Maurizio, "The For-Profit Immigration Surveillance State: How Surveillance Capitalism Took Over ICE" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5732