ICE Reportedly Acknowledges Its Use of Notorious Graphite Spyware

Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 9:30 am

ICE Admits to Using Powerful Spyware, Graphite

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly confirmed its use of Graphite, a sophisticated spyware tool capable of recording user activity on smartphones, including within encrypted applications. This acknowledgment, revealed by NPR, validates long-held suspicions about ICE's surveillance practices.

Graphite, developed by Paragon, can operate covertly, collecting data and then deleting itself. According to the Guardian, ICE entered into an agreement with Paragon in 2024, during the Biden administration. While this contract was initially paused for review, the review was later lifted, and procurement documents indicate that Graphite had been made available to ICE by the Trump Administration.

ICE's use of Graphite reportedly involves installing the spyware on individuals' phones without their explicit knowledge. ICE acting director Todd Lyons, in a letter reviewed by NPR, stated that the use of these "cutting-edge technological tools" was approved to combat fentanyl trafficking and address the exploitation of digital platforms by transnational criminal organizations. The letter was a response to concerns raised by House Democrats specifically about Graphite.

The Trump administration previously employed drastic measures in the name of fentanyl enforcement, including actions that raised questions about the scope and justification of such efforts.

BNN's Perspective:

The confirmation of ICE's use of Graphite raises significant concerns about privacy and the potential for abuse. While the stated justification is to combat fentanyl trafficking, the use of such powerful surveillance tools demands careful oversight and transparency. Striking a balance between national security and individual liberties is crucial, and the public deserves a clear understanding of the scope and limitations of these surveillance practices.

Keywords: ICE, Graphite, spyware, surveillance, fentanyl, trafficking, Paragon, Todd Lyons, encrypted apps, privacy, Biden administration, Trump administration, digital platforms, national security, law enforcement

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