DHS has deployed facial recognition (Clearview AI and its own "Mobile Fortify" app), phone-hacking tools from an Israeli company called Paragon, and social-media-monitoring tools from a company called Penlink against people who show up to observe ICE operations in Minneapolis, identifying at least seven American citizens by name without their consent, according to three current and former DHS officials. ICE also taps a Palantir-built database to find real-time locations of people it is pursuing. One watchdog volunteer, Nicole Cleland, said an agent addressed her by name after scanning her face with the technology; three days later, DHS revoked her Global Entry and TSA travel privileges with no explanation.
- Jan 10, 2026DHS has deployed facial recognition (Clearview AI and its own "Mobile Fortify" app), phone-hacking tools from an Israeli company called Paragon, and social-media-monitoring tools from a company called Penlink against people who show up to observe ICE operations in Minneapolis, identifying at least seven American citizens by name without their consent, according to three current and former DHS officials. ICE also taps a Palantir-built database to find real-time locations of people it is pursuing. One watchdog volunteer, Nicole Cleland, said an agent addressed her by name after scanning her face with the technology; three days later, DHS revoked her Global Entry and TSA travel privileges with no explanation. Source ↗
- Sep 18, 2026 · LatestA federal judge dismissed the ACLU's lawsuit over this surveillance and the retaliation against observers on Sept. 18, 2026, ruling the plaintiffs lacked standing because Operation Metro Surge, the Minneapolis operation that produced it, had ended in February 2026. The court did not rule on whether the surveillance itself was constitutional. Source ↗
How to roll it backA future administration can stop using these tools against people observing law enforcement and audit the vendor contracts. Congress can require a warrant or independent oversight before agencies use facial recognition, phone-hacking, or social-media-monitoring tools on people exercising their right to observe government action.
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