ICE Plans to Acquire AI Eye-Scanning Technology to Identify Individuals from Several Feet Away
Denver, CO – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly preparing to purchase advanced artificial intelligence technology capable of scanning people’s eyes from a distance of 10 to 15 feet to help identify individuals, including those who may be in the country illegally. The agency has issued a notice concerning the acquisition of AI-powered iris scanning tools that can match an individual’s eye patterns to existing photos in databases, leveraging mobile technology like iPhone cameras equipped with specialized apps.
How the Technology Works
The new technology focuses on scanning the iris – the colored part of the eye which features unique patterns akin to fingerprints. According to Steve Beaty, a computer science professor at Metropolitan State University Denver, the iris contains distinctive "stripes" that vary uniquely between individuals. “You can do it from quite a distance away, depending upon the magnification of your device,” Beaty explained.
ICE’s prospective purchase involves two products: one designed specifically for offender identification based on iris scans and another that operates through a mobile application capable of performing these identifications in the field. The system attempts to match captured iris images with those found in a variety of databases, including criminal records and publicly available online photos, such as those on social media platforms.
Privacy and Regulation Considerations
The use of biometric technology by law enforcement agencies is not entirely new. States like Colorado have already implemented forms of facial recognition technology, albeit under strict regulatory frameworks. Jennifer Bacon, a Democratic Colorado state representative, emphasized the importance of oversight. As a cosponsor of a 2022 law regulating facial recognition use in the state, she highlighted that agencies must disclose their intended uses and cannot rely on such technology as the sole basis for arrests or investigations.
Bacon cautioned, “AI shows up to help make things easier, but we have to differentiate between when AI is used as a tool to help make things easier versus profiling.”
Despite state-level regulations on facial recognition, there is currently no uniform regulatory framework for AI-based iris scanning technology at the federal level, a fact that has led to concerns among state officials and privacy advocates.
ICE’s Position
While ICE has not officially confirmed the deployment of this technology in operational settings, a spokesperson for the agency stated that ICE employs various forms of technology while maintaining respect for civil liberties. The agency’s notice of intent to purchase reveals its interest in enhancing identification capabilities but leaves open questions about how and when the technology will be used in the field.
Expert Perspectives
Experts like Beaty recognize the dual-edged nature of biometric AI technologies. The capacity to identify individuals remotely can aid law enforcement in public safety and identification efforts but also raises privacy concerns. There are ongoing debates about potential misuse and the need for clear guidelines and ethical safeguards.
Conclusion
The prospective acquisition of AI-powered iris scanning technology by ICE marks a significant development in law enforcement’s use of biometric identification methods. As agencies evolve their technological tools, balancing efficiency, privacy, and civil liberties remains a critical challenge.
Source: KUSA via CNN Newsource, August 11, 2025
