US Immigration Agency Plans to Hire Bounty Hunters, Sparking Concerns Over Accountability and Corruption.
In a move that has raised alarming concerns about accountability and corruption, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is considering awarding contracts to private bounty hunters to track down undocumented immigrants residing in the country. The plan, which would deploy investigators to conduct surveillance and pinpoint home addresses of individuals deemed "aliens" by the Department of Homeland Security, has been met with criticism from lawmakers who warn that it would invite abuses, secrecy, and corruption.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, has written to ICE Secretary Kristi Noem expressing his "grave concerns" over the proposal, citing worries about accountability and oversight. In a letter reviewed by The Intercept, Krishnamoorthi notes that allowing private contractors to perform enforcement activities under performance-based financial incentives would outssource one of the government's most coercive powers to actors with little oversight and limited public accountability.
"This system built on quotas and cash rewards with minimal oversight is a recipe for disaster," Krishnamoorthi writes. "Mistakes are not just possible - they are certain. The pressure to hit numbers replaces the judgment, training, and accountability that should define real law enforcement."
Krishnamoorthi's concerns are echoed by civil liberties groups, who warn that such a system would erode checks and balances and create an enforcement apparatus that operates beyond public scrutiny. As lawmakers increasingly scrutinize government agencies' plans to contract out policing powers to private companies, one thing is clear: the future of immigration enforcement in America hangs precariously in the balance.
In response to Krishnamoorthi's inquiry, ICE stated that the Request for Information was solely for planning purposes and did not constitute a request for proposal. However, critics argue that the agency's lack of transparency and accountability raises more questions than answers about the true intentions behind this plan.
In a move that has raised alarming concerns about accountability and corruption, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is considering awarding contracts to private bounty hunters to track down undocumented immigrants residing in the country. The plan, which would deploy investigators to conduct surveillance and pinpoint home addresses of individuals deemed "aliens" by the Department of Homeland Security, has been met with criticism from lawmakers who warn that it would invite abuses, secrecy, and corruption.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, has written to ICE Secretary Kristi Noem expressing his "grave concerns" over the proposal, citing worries about accountability and oversight. In a letter reviewed by The Intercept, Krishnamoorthi notes that allowing private contractors to perform enforcement activities under performance-based financial incentives would outssource one of the government's most coercive powers to actors with little oversight and limited public accountability.
"This system built on quotas and cash rewards with minimal oversight is a recipe for disaster," Krishnamoorthi writes. "Mistakes are not just possible - they are certain. The pressure to hit numbers replaces the judgment, training, and accountability that should define real law enforcement."
Krishnamoorthi's concerns are echoed by civil liberties groups, who warn that such a system would erode checks and balances and create an enforcement apparatus that operates beyond public scrutiny. As lawmakers increasingly scrutinize government agencies' plans to contract out policing powers to private companies, one thing is clear: the future of immigration enforcement in America hangs precariously in the balance.
In response to Krishnamoorthi's inquiry, ICE stated that the Request for Information was solely for planning purposes and did not constitute a request for proposal. However, critics argue that the agency's lack of transparency and accountability raises more questions than answers about the true intentions behind this plan.
. I mean, if it means they can finally do their job without all the bureaucratic red tape, who cares about accountability and oversight? It's not like these people are trying to break the law or anything... they're just here for a better life 
. And if some private contractors happen to get in on the action, so what? They're just doing their part for national security 
. I'm sure it'll all be perfectly fine once everyone gets their due incentives and bonuses 
.
. I mean, I get it, immigration can be super complicated, but come on! Can't we just find a way to address these issues without resorting to private contractors who only care about racking up numbers and getting paid? 
. And what if this system starts getting abused? What if these bounty hunters start using their powers for personal gain or harassment? 
. It's time for lawmakers to step up and make sure we're doing things the right way. This is all too much to put on the backs of people who are just trying to live their lives 
.
It's easy to pick out disciples, but it's much harder to pick out leaders. 
The real question is, what kind of system do we want to build, where those in power can get away with abuses and corruption? 
- Oscar Wilde 
... it made me think about how we can make learning to hunt and gather for food a fun outdoor activity instead of just a survival skill... like, imagine taking a cooking class while on a hike or something 
... what's next, having the NSA deliver your mail? 
, this is so sketchy! I mean, can you imagine private bounty hunters roaming around, tracking down ppl just cuz they're undocumented? It's like something outta a dystopian movie 
. Like, what's next? Having them arrest people for having mismatched socks or something 
. This system is all about quotas and cash rewards, which means ppl will be more focused on getting the job done quickly than doing it right. And who gets to decide what's "right" anyway? 
I don't think so. It's like, the gov's trying to create this whole black box system where no one knows what's going on or who's doing it. That's just not cool 
! I mean, who better to track down people than people who have a vested interest in getting their money back? It's like the old saying goes: "If you've got nothing to hide, what do you need to hide from?" And let's be real, folks aren't exactly flocking to the US from other countries just because they're looking for a free ride 
.