Editor’s Note: This is the next installment of our series, “Tech Policy under Trump 2.0.” Read the first article in the series here. Listen to the author further discuss ideas from this article on the Just Security Podcast here.
The morning after Donald Trump was re-elected as President, the financial stakes in the private prison industry surged, reflecting a predicted expansion in facilities designed for detaining individuals awaiting deportation. This volatile market dynamics is intrinsically linked to Trump’s plan to overhaul the U.S. immigration system using aggressive tactics, heightened surveillance, and emerging technologies—specifically artificial intelligence (AI)—to execute widespread and invasive enforcement strategies.
A New Approach to Immigration Policy
Trump’s re-election campaign was marked by a series of controversial pledges aimed at reshaping immigration policies significantly. Prominent among these commitments is the intent to initiate the most extensive mass deportation in U.S. history, potentially utilizing military resources to carry out these operations. His administration has indicated a desire to dismantle longstanding practices, including birthright citizenship and the concept of asylum, while considering punitive measures against sanctuary cities, which hinder cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
These proposed changes pose a stark contrast to the prevailing ethos of inclusion and safety policy that had been trending in previous administrations. Detrimental impacts on many vulnerable populations, particularly migrants fleeing violence and persecution, are anticipated as these unyielding plans unfold.
The Role of Technology in Migration Management
As surveillance technologies become increasingly integrated into immigration processes, they are spearheading a dramatic shift in how borders are managed. This technological ramp-up includes everything from sophisticated border surveillance systems equipped with AI and biometric data-capturing drones to algorithms designed to filter visa applications. Recent reports, including a comprehensive analysis by the U.N. Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, have highlighted the potential for such unregulated technologies to infringe upon basic human rights—privacy breaches, racial discrimination, and severe potential implications for life and safety.
The intersection of technology and migration management is not new; Democrats had previously contributed to enhancing the border enforcement industrial complex, framing “smart border” technologies as ethical alternatives to physical border barriers. However, evidence suggests that increased surveillance exacerbates the very dangers it is claimed to alleviate, pushing desperate migrants into more perilous routes that have resulted in tragic loss of life.
Surveillance as the New Standard
Innovative surveillance approaches are being rapidly deployed, emphasizing AI and other advanced technologies at the southern border. For instance, the increasing use of ground sensors, aerial drones, and fixed surveillance towers by companies like Elbit Systems exemplifies the privatization of border security, where the lines between national security and human rights continue to blur.
It’s noteworthy to mention the controversial introduction of robot dogs by the Department of Homeland Security in 2022, underscoring the lengths to which the government is prepared to go to modernize its border enforcement. The implications of these developments extend beyond national borders, leading to growing fears about the domestic use of such technologies and their potential to target social justice activists and migrant advocates at home.
The Power of the Private Sector
The burgeoning influence of the private sector within immigration policy further complicates the landscape. As public institutions increasingly rely on private companies to provide and innovate essential tools for migration management, a concerning dynamic emerges. Each relationship formed under the guise of convenience often shields the technologies from transparency and accountability measures.
For example, partnerships with leading tech executives — many of whom share ideologies with Trump, like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk — raise critical questions about ethical oversight. These collaborations risk placing profit motives above fundamental rights, thereby incentivizing the development of technology that could harm marginalized communities.
A Lack of Regulatory Framework
Despite the pressing nature of these technological expansions, regulations governing AI’s role in border security remain vague and ineffective. While the European Union recently passed an AI Act intended to foster responsible governance, loopholes related to national security significantly weaken its efficacy, neglecting the implications for migration technologies. As of now, there are few safeguards to ensure that AI deployments in this space adhere to international human rights standards.
Additionally, the Biden administration’s recent Executive Order on AI development fails to confront the specific risks posed by technologies in border enforcement, further leaving vulnerable populations exposed to rights violations. As Trump intimates plans to abandon these precautions, the prospects for migrant justice look increasingly grim.
Concluding Thoughts
The trajectory of immigration policy under Trump represents an intersection of politics, technology, and human rights—a convergence that poses a significant threat to the dignity and safety of migrants. As the landscape shifts toward a digital warfare on migration, it is crucial to remain vigilant about how these technologies are utilized at borders and their potential ripple effects across society.
The opaque systems governing these technologies, combined with a growing reliance on private sector partnerships, underscore an urgent need for robust regulations ensuring the rights of migrants are protected. As we witness an unprecedented era of surveillance and enforcement at borders, the call for accountability, transparency, and ethical technology use is more critical than ever.