A recent report from Business Wire revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a $30 million contract with software company Palantir to track the self-deportations of migrants.
According to a contract reviewed by the outlet, the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System, called ImmigrationOS, will reduce “time and resource expenditure” for apprehending migrants. The contract explained that the program will allow ICE’s case management to include “near real-time visibility into instances of self-deportation” as well as make the “end to end immigration lifecycle from identification to removal” more efficient.
“Palantir has developed deep institutional knowledge of ICE operations over more than a decade of support,” ICE wrote in the documents viewed by Business Insider. “Their systems have been tailored to meet strict DHS security and privacy standards.”
The program is set to be in place by September 25 and supports the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline the deportation process.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in March that it is replacing the CBP One app with CBP Home, a tool to support the self-deportation of illegal immigrants. The app features an “Intent to Depart” function that allows those illegally present in the United States to inform the government of their intention to leave the country.
Tracking self-deportations comes as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned illegal immigrants that “consequences” will be had unless they remove themselves from the country.
President Trump has a clear message: if you are here illegally, we will find you and deport you. You will never return. But if you leave now, you may have an opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American Dream,” Noem said in a February statement. “If you are a criminal alien considering entering America illegally: Don’t even think about it. If you come here and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United States.”
“Follow the law and you’ll find opportunity,” Noem says in the ad. “Break it, and you’ll find consequences. The choice is yours. America welcomes those who respect our laws, because a strong nation is a safe nation.”
