ICE Database Access Loss Sparks Outrage and Accusations of Political Theatre
The Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been denied access to the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC), a financial surveillance database tracking wire transfers between the U.S. and Mexico, due to concerns over misuse of the data. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes confirmed the “de-platforming” of ERO agents, emphasizing the data’s intended use for purposes other than immigration. This decision followed reports of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division using TRAC records to locate and arrest immigrants, including one case involving a man tracked after sending money to his family. Civil liberties groups, while supporting the restriction, argue that access should be completely cut off for all ICE agents to prevent mass deportation.
John Q. Hosedrinker