On August 10, 2025, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an announcement on Wednesday, August 6, regarding the acquisition of a mobile artificial intelligence (AI) software based on iris recognition technology. The aim is to achieve rapid identity verification through advanced biometric technology to assist in deportation and repatriation actions against illegal immigrants.
According to the announcement, ICE will issue a single-source procurement order to BI2 Technologies to purchase licenses for the company’s two core products, the Inmate Recognition & Identification System (IRIS) and the Mobile Offender Recognition & Identification System (MORIS), to be used for “enforcement and repatriation actions.” These products can be used by ICE for identity verification of detainees or personnel encountered in law enforcement operations.
The company, headquartered in Massachusetts, states that this technology allows law enforcement officers to identify individuals from a distance of 10 to 15 feet using a smartphone application, which then connects to a database containing relevant information.
Steve Beaty, a computer science professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, explained that iris recognition is generally very accurate because each individual has a unique iris pattern that is visible to the naked eye.
Advancements in technology have made iris scanning more accessible and cost-effective. Beaty noted that this product’s innovation lies in its lower cost and compatibility with devices like smartphones, as opposed to the need for large, standalone machines in the past.
The system compares iris scan results with existing photo databases, which may include data from criminal databases or even photos collected from social media.
Such specialized software is already in use by law enforcement agencies across the United States as a tool to aid in managing prisons.
In Arvada, Colorado, the police department reported conducting 73 investigations involving facial recognition technology in 2024, with 39 successful matches and 33 unsuccessful matches. Last year, the department utilized this technology to assist in identifying a person in distress.
Several law enforcement agencies in Colorado, including the Arvada Police Department, are currently utilizing facial recognition technology in accordance with state regulations.
Democratic State Representative Jennifer Bacon expressed concerns over ICE’s intended use of the technology, fearing potential violations of civil rights. She emphasized the importance of utilizing facial recognition technology for identification and matching purposes, rather than profiling individuals based on appearance.
Bacon stressed the need to ensure that law enforcement agencies do not misuse the technology to circumvent legal procedures or infringe upon rights protected by the First Amendment.
Professor Beaty raised questions regarding data processing and privacy protection issues. He questioned the handling of data in cases where iris scans are taken from individuals who have not committed serious crimes, highlighting the importance of transparency and data security.
ICE spokespersons mentioned in the announcement that ICE is committed to fulfilling its national duties by removing illegal immigrants who pose a threat to community safety. Similar to other law enforcement agencies, ICE will incorporate various technological tools while respecting civil liberties and privacy rights.
This article includes information referenced from a report by 9NEWS.