DHS says ICE has ‘no relationship’ with spyware maker Paragon : NPR
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had reactivated a contract with spyware maker Paragon Solutions in 2024, raising concerns about the use of commercial spyware and compliance with a 2023 executive order banning certain spyware purchases by federal agencies.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now states that ICE has no current contract or relationship with Paragon Solutions or its acquiring company, though it has not clarified whether ICE still has access to Paragon's spyware tools through other means.
- Paragon Solutions, known for its Graphite spyware used to infiltrate devices and access encrypted messages, was involved in international spying scandals, including targeting journalists and activists in Italy.
- ICE's acting director acknowledged approving the use of commercial spyware tools in investigations targeting foreign terrorist organizations and fentanyl traffickers, certifying compliance with the 2023 executive order.
- Privacy advocates remain concerned about the transparency and extent of government surveillance technologies, urging DHS and ICE to fully disclose the spyware tools in use and their applications.