The Rise of Ankle Monitoring in U.S. Immigration Enforcement

In recent months, the use of ankle monitors by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased, raising concerns about the implications for immigrants enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program. This program, established in 2004, aims to ensure compliance with legal obligations without resorting to detention. However, a June 2025 internal ICE memo directed officers to impose ankle monitors on all individuals in the ATD program, leading to a near doubling of those monitored, from approximately 24,000 to around 42,000 by early 2026.

The Guardian

The enforcement of ankle monitoring is not uniform across the United States. The DC area has reported the highest concentration of individuals subjected to this requirement, prompting questions about the reasons behind regional variations. Evan Benz, a senior attorney at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, noted that those in the Washington DC field office are significantly more likely to be monitored compared to other regions.

The Guardian

An ICE spokesperson emphasized that the ATD program employs "individualized determinations" to tailor supervision levels based on factors such as criminal history and compliance records. However, critics argue that the arbitrary nature of these assignments raises doubts about the program's true intent. Deepa Bijpuria, a supervising attorney at Legal Aid DC, highlighted that many clients fitted with ankle monitors had previously complied with their legal obligations, suggesting that the monitoring may not be genuinely aimed at ensuring compliance.

The Guardian

Legal experts and advocates have raised concerns that the ATD program, particularly the use of ankle monitors, may function as an alternative form of detention rather than a genuine alternative. Benz described instances where ICE has used the monitoring devices to locate and detain individuals under the pretense of checking the devices. The psychological, economic, and physical burdens imposed by ankle monitors are significant, with individuals reporting feelings of being constantly watched and facing restrictions on their movement, which can lead to job loss and increased anxiety.

The Guardian

The conditions associated with ankle monitoring can lead to self-deportation, as individuals may feel pressured to leave the country due to the burdens imposed by the devices. Bijpuria noted that the combination of deportation threats and the discomfort of ankle monitors creates an environment where immigrants may opt for self-deportation despite having legal options. The involvement of private companies in the monitoring process further complicates the situation, as financial incentives may drive the continued use of these devices.

The Guardian

While ICE maintains that ankle monitors are a necessary tool for ensuring compliance, critics argue that the lack of transparency and the arbitrary nature of their application undermine the program's legitimacy. Julia Decker, policy director at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, described the situation as one of "intentional chaos," where uncertainty and anxiety are used as tools against immigrant communities.

The Guardian

• “But the use of ankle monitors by ICE is a very harmful phenomenon.” — Evan Benz, Senior Attorney, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights

The Guardian

• “I think that it’s very, very likely that any program like this becomes a way to funnel you right back into the very system that it was supposed to be an alternative to,” — Julia Decker, Policy Director, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

The Guardian

• “Besides the psychological trauma, shame and disruption, it’s difficult to sleep.” — Deepa Bijpuria, Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid DC

The Guardian

The increasing reliance on ankle monitors within the ATD program reflects a complex interplay of enforcement practices and immigrant experiences, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny and transparency in immigration policies.

The Guardian