ICE Reactivates Contract with Spyware Maker Paragon
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has quietly reactivated its $2 million contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon. The move comes nearly a year after the Biden administration halted the agreement under a “stop work order” to review whether it complied with strict rules on government spyware use.
Image Credits:Mario Tama / Getty Images
Public records show that ICE officially lifted the suspension on August 30, giving the green light for Paragon’s surveillance tools to move forward inside the agency.
Why the Contract Was Suspended
The original deal faced scrutiny because of an executive order limiting U.S. agencies from using commercial spyware that could endanger human rights or target Americans abroad. Critics feared that Paragon’s tools—like other spyware programs—might cross those lines.
For months, it appeared the contract would quietly expire. Instead, ICE has doubled down by reviving it, raising fresh concerns about transparency and oversight.
What the Contract Covers
According to the Federal Procurement Data System, the agreement includes:
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Proprietary surveillance software licenses
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Hardware and maintenance
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Training and warranty support
The official update confirmed that the stop work order was lifted, essentially reactivating the full contract scope.
Who Broke the News
Independent journalist Jack Poulson first uncovered the development in his newsletter. His reporting highlights how these quiet government decisions can have major implications for privacy, surveillance, and civil liberties.
Paragon’s Image vs. Reality
Paragon markets itself as an “ethical” spyware provider, trying to separate from controversial firms like NSO Group, Intellexa, and Hacking Team. On its website, the company emphasizes “ethically based tools, teams, and insights.”
But with ICE now back as an active client, Paragon faces an ethical test. Will the company continue working with an agency known for mass deportations and expanding surveillance powers?
Why This Matters
The decision that ICE reactivates contract with spyware maker Paragon is more than a bureaucratic update—it’s a signal about where U.S. surveillance policy may be headed. It raises critical questions:
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How will the Biden administration enforce its own spyware restrictions?
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Can companies like Paragon maintain a reputation for ethics while supplying powerful tools to agencies accused of human rights violations?
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What safeguards, if any, are in place to prevent abuse?
As ICE reactivates contract with spyware maker Paragon, the deal highlights the ongoing tension between government surveillance needs and ethical responsibility. For Paragon, this contract could either strengthen its U.S. ties or tarnish its “responsible” image. For the public, it’s another reminder that surveillance technology decisions rarely stay in the headlines—but they can have lasting consequences
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