Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted apps

The Trump administration has granted the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency access to a powerful Israeli-made spyware tool developed by Paragon Solutions. This spyware is capable of hacking into any mobile phone, including encrypted applications. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially entered into a $2 million contract with Paragon, which is now owned by a US firm, during the Biden administration in late 2024. However, the contract was put on hold pending a compliance review to ensure it adhered to an executive order restricting the US government's use of spyware. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has now moved forward with the contract, allowing ICE agents to access one of the world's most sophisticated hacking tools. This decision raises questions about the government's oversight and regulation of such powerful surveillance technologies, especially in the context of immigration enforcement.