The digital surveillance state just leveled up, and trust us, it’s not the upgrade we asked for. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is about to get its grubby hands on some seriously invasive spyware, courtesy of the Trump administration’s latest power move.

Paragon, an Israeli tech firm that’s been compared to the notorious NSO Group, has a shiny new contract with ICE that lets them remotely hack phones and dig through private messages. Think of it like a digital home invasion, but for immigrants and activists.

The Spyware Saga

The Biden administration had previously blocked this contract, recognizing the potential for abuse. But the Trump White House just swooped in and said, “Nah, we want this tool for our deportation machine”. With a whopping $170 billion budget, ICE is now equipped with technology that could make your worst privacy nightmares look like child’s play.

A Global Problem

This isn’t just an American issue. WhatsApp has already caught Paragon’s spyware being used against journalists and activists in Europe. In Italy, media outlets filed criminal complaints after discovering these digital intrusions.

The Bigger Picture

What we’re seeing is a terrifying expansion of surveillance capabilities targeted at vulnerable populations. It’s not just about technology – it’s about power, control, and the systematic targeting of marginalized communities.

Stay woke, stay informed, and maybe invest in some seriously good encryption.