HARLINGEN, Texas ( Border Report ) — A new, lighter GPS device that resembles a wristwatch to track migrants is being issued by immigration courts more frequently.
The Veri- Watch system, administered by U. S. Immigration and Customs and Police officers, has gone from a pilot project of just 50 participants to nearly 3, 000 issued in just the past year, according to new information from Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse ( TRAC ) of Syracuse University.
The number of wrist-worn products issued is lower than the 155, 000 SmartLINK smartphone applications that track migrants across the country. But, the TRAC data points to a new trend in the courts, particularly those in South Texas, in releasing this new scanning technology.
Almost 500 of these elbow products have been issued by U. S. immigration authorities in Harlingen, Texas, TRAC information. Since the start of May, the number issued countrywide has increased by over 800.
The change comes as SmartLINK is being criticized for rumors that the organization is giving workers full-fledged phones in error.
“ICE’s growing use of the VeriWatch is reflected across the country”, TRAC says.
After Harlingen, Seattle and Los Angeles each issued over 360 of the tools in the past year.
Immediately, ICE has over 184, 000 workers now monitored through the company’s Options to Detention applications. Devices used to check include the SmartLINK mobile app, call reporting, VeriWatch and GPS hip checking.
VeriWatch appears to be using GPS ankle monitor technology without the heavy, cumbersome hardware that migrant advocates claim is difficult to live with and most apparent in public.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Corey Price stated in April 2023 when he announced the new technology and pilot program,” These wrist-worn GPS tracking devices would complement existing ATD features for noncitizens who qualify for the non-detained case in a less obtrusive fashion, increasing adherence for participants moving through the immigration method.”
The forearm- worn devices allow for site monitoring, physical matching and had messaging functions. It’s similar to a smartwatch, but according to ICE, it ca n’t be used for anything other than for immigration-related purposes.
The watches are produced by BI Inc., of Boulder, Colorado, and weigh just 2.3 ounces. The devices are equipped with a removal detection algorithm that uses proximity and other sensors to identify when it is taken off. Without cell phone connectivity, location points can be stored there for seven days, and data can still be saved even after the battery is drained. It also has an LCD touchscreen, speaker and alarm and is available in English and Spanish, according to BI Inc.
On its website, the organization states that “ICE’s Alternatives to Detention ( ATD ) programs exist to ensure compliance with release conditions and provide crucial case management services for non-detained noncitizens.”
The organization claims that ATD is more cost-effective than holding migrants in detention.
ATD costs about$ 8 per day to administer, compared to$ 150 per day for detention, according to ICE.
The SmartLINK cellphone app has been widely used throughout the country for a number of years, but there have been numerous false claims that the government is issuing smart phones to immigrants when they cross the border.
The app is exactly that, and it only allows communication between the migrant and ICE officials regarding immigration. The organization sends out notices of upcoming appointments in immigration court. Additionally, migrants can upload and send documents to case specialists and officers via direct messaging. According to ICE, migrants can search through a database to locate community service providers in their area, such as clothing and food banks, through the app.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at [email protected].
