ICE Agents Caught Using Meta AI Smart Glasses to Monitor Immigrant Communities

Concerns raised over privacy violations and lack of oversight in immigration enforcement operations

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been spotted wearing Meta AI smart glasses to record and livestream communities during immigration raids, raising alarms among civil liberties experts. The cutting-edge devices, equipped with voice-controlled AI, internet connectivity, and livestreaming capabilities, allow agents to capture video and analyze what they're seeing in real-time. While Homeland Security denies having a contract with Meta for these devices, agents are apparently using them outside of official protocols, sparking fears of unregulated surveillance and a chilling effect on public protests.

Why it matters

The use of AI-powered smart glasses by ICE agents raises unprecedented privacy concerns, as the technology allows for real-time tracking, facial recognition, and livestreaming of immigrant communities and political protesters without oversight. This could violate the spirit of existing privacy protections, even if technically legal, and further erode trust between law enforcement and vulnerable populations.

The details

Investigations reveal that ICE and Border Patrol agents in at least six states have been wearing Meta AI smart glasses since the start of President Donald Trump's second term. The glasses can livestream directly to the internet and potentially transmit images into facial recognition software or law enforcement databases. Although Homeland Security denies having a contract with Meta, agents are apparently using the personal devices during deployments. Civil liberties experts warn that these unregulated recordings could escalate surveillance of communities, creating a chilling effect on public protests and civil participation.

  • ICE agents have been using the Meta AI smart glasses since the start of President Donald Trump's second term.
  • Last month, a Los Angeles judge ordered anyone using Meta smart glasses to record inside her courtroom to delete the footage or face contempt charges.

The players

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement and removal operations.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook, which produces the AI-powered smart glasses being used by ICE agents.

Homeland Security

The federal department that oversees ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Courts and civil liberties groups are expected to continue scrutinizing the legality and ethics of ICE's use of Meta AI smart glasses, as the technology raises concerns about mass surveillance and the erosion of privacy protections.

The takeaway

The revelation of ICE agents using Meta AI smart glasses to monitor immigrant communities and political protesters highlights the growing tension between technological advancements in law enforcement and the preservation of civil liberties. As these tools become more sophisticated, policymakers and the public will need to grapple with the appropriate balance between public safety and individual privacy.