U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday announced it will begin testing wrist-worn GPS devices in an attempt to diversify technology used for Alternatives to Detention (ATD) by the end of the month.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) will begin the limited deployment of the smartwatch-like technology in Denver to decide whether the technology can be expanded to other areas. The watches, dubbed VeriWatch, are made by contractor BI, which manages other ICE ATD programs.
“ERO is committed to continuously developing and modernizing the tools and technologies to enhance how deportation officers uphold US immigration laws,” said ERO executive associate director Corey A. Price.
“These wrist-worn GPS monitoring devices would supplement existing ATD capabilities for noncitizens who qualify for the non-detained docket in a less obtrusive manner, increasing compliance for participants moving through the immigration process,” he added.
Similar to how a smartwatch works, technology includes live GPS location monitoring, facial matching, and messaging capabilities. However, the device will not be able to be used for anything other than immigration-related activities.
VeriWatch will serve a similar purpose to a GPS ankle monitor, except that they are smaller and more discreet.
Migrants who are placed in ATD have gone under multiple screenings and are ultimately approved after being considered to pose a low public safety risk. ATD helps provide additional supervision on migrants who are waiting to be processed or are waiting for their asylum cases to conclude.
According to ICE, ATD increases court appearance rates and helps immigrants meet their obligations while freeing up space in detention centers around the nation. ICE currently uses three types of technology for ATD: telephone reporting, GPS ankle monitoring, and a smartphone app called SmartLINK.
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