Full Breakdown
ICE's $2 Million Paragon Spyware Contract Under Scrutiny
6/1/2026, 8:01:28 PM
Contract and Lawsuit
ICE signed a $2 million contract for Paragon’s Graphite spyware, which can hack phones and read Signal, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger messages. After ICE ignored a FOIA request, 404 Media sued (Sep 2024). ICE later released 77 of 673 pages, heavily redacted.
Background
Paragon markets itself as an ethical surveillance vendor, selling only to governments that pass democracy checks. It cut ties with Italy after its tools targeted journalists. ICE says the software will aid immigration enforcement and counter terrorist groups using encrypted apps.
Timeline
FOIA request filed Oct 2024; lawsuit Sep 2024. Apr 1 2024 – Lyons’ letter approves purchase, citing fentanyl threats. 2024 – Biden freeze; Aug 2024 – Trump reactivates. Jan 2025 – contract closed. May 2025 – DHS spokesperson tells NPR ICE has no current relationship. Jun 2025 – ICE releases 77 of 673 pages, redacted.
Impact
The spyware can bypass encryption, prompting civil-rights concerns about deportation operations and digital surveillance. The contract also tests the executive order aimed at limiting government use of intrusive spyware.
Official Statements
Lyons’ April 1 letter framed the purchase as a response to the “lethality of fentanyl.” In May 2025 a DHS spokesperson told NPR ICE “has no current contract or relationship with Paragon or the company that later acquired it,” while refusing to confirm continued access.
Criticism
The complaint notes that lawmakers, civil-rights groups and immigration advocates warn the spyware could be used in deportation operations, violating protections. Paragon’s ethical claim is contrasted with its past provision of tools to Italy, which were used against journalists.
Conflicts and Gaps
ICE cites trade-secret and law-enforcement exemptions for redactions, yet 404 Media argues the omissions hide information. DHS says no contract exists, while procurement data confirms a contract was signed and closed in January. ICE has not disclosed whether it still accesses Paragon’s system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “404 Media has asked ICE to disclose agency records relating to its contract with a company known for its powerful spyware tool whose potential use in the agency’s ongoing mass-deportation campaign has prompted lawmakers, civil liberties organizations, and immigration groups to express deep concerns over potential civil rights abuses,” — 404 Media
- “In the overview document Paragon writes, “From the outset, Paragon has enshrined ethical conduct, practices, and standards as core company values.” — Paragon
- “Our Operational Security (OPSEC) team ensures that the customer can meet operational requirements while minimizing the risk of exposure and attribution,” — Paragon
- “Use of the technology will align with and support the Homeland Security Task Force’s strategic initiatives to identify, disrupt, and dismantle Foreign Terrorist Organizations, addressing the escalating fentanyl epidemic and safeguarding national security,” — Todd M. Lyons, Acting Director of ICE
Next Steps
404 Media plans a second request for the remaining documents. Committees may seek further oversight of ICE’s surveillance tools, and the DHS spokesperson’s denial could prompt additional inquiries into any continued access to Paragon’s software.
