Trump’s transition team eyes expansion of ankle monitors for illegal immigrants not in custody

The Trump transition team is reportedly considering a significant expansion of the use of ankle-worn GPS monitors to track illegal immigrants who are not in federal immigration detention. This move comes as President-elect Trump has promised to launch a mass deportation operation once he takes office, with the goal of detaining and deporting illegal immigrants and preventing them from entering the U.S.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the incoming administration is prioritizing the detention and deportation of illegal immigrants, as well as increasing monitoring of those not in detention until they can be removed. Currently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is monitoring about 187,747 individuals through the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program, with approximately 25,000 wearing ankle or wrist monitors. The Trump administration is looking to expand the use of GPS monitoring for a larger number of illegal immigrants and for longer periods.

Advocates of the ATD program argue that compliance remains high and is cheaper than detention, costing $8 a day compared to $150 a day. However, some critics have labeled the program as creating “digital prisons.” The increase in GPS monitoring could potentially be accompanied by stricter penalties for non-compliance, although the specifics are still unclear.

Republicans have been pushing for an increase in non-detained immigrants on ATD, with legislation like the Justice for Jocelyn Act proposing continuous GPS monitoring for all illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket. This bill would also impose curfews and penalties for noncompliance.

As the Trump administration prepares for a mass deportation campaign, there is expected to be a significant expansion of ICE capacity. The GEO Group, the exclusive contractor for this technology, recently announced a $70 million investment to enhance its capabilities for detention, transport, and electronic monitoring services for ICE.

Overall, the use of ankle-worn GPS monitors to track illegal immigrants not in detention is set to increase significantly under the new administration. With a focus on detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, the Trump transition team is looking to ramp up monitoring efforts to ensure compliance and removal of those who are in the country unlawfully.