Mobile Fortify

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Mobile Fortify is a mobile app used by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their government-issued phones. The app allows agents to point their phones remotely in order to gather biometrics, including contactless fingerprinting and faceprinting. [1] [2]

Contents

History

In June 2025, use of Mobile Fortify by ICE was uncovered through leaked emails and the user manual, reported by 404 Media reports. The app is internally developed: details of the parent company and developer are unknown. [1] [2] Later in that same month, several senators demanded transparency around the app and its origins, and that ICE stop using it. [3] [4] A second letter was sent again in November, after hearing no response to the previous letter from ICE. [5]

Technology

Unlike other facial recognition software, Fortify uses federally linked databases. By contrast, Clearview AI uses public social media databases for biometric scanning. Federal databases include DHS's automated biometric identification system (IDENT), containing more than 270 million biometric records, and Customs and Border Protection's Traveler Verification Service. The State Department's visa and passport photo database, the FBI's National Crime Information Center, National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems, and CBP's TECS and Seized Assets and Case Tracing System (SEACATS). [1] [2]

Oversight

Several senators urged ICE to stop using the app for fear of infringing on first amendment rights, and requested details on who developed the app, when it was deployed, whether the app was tested for accuracy, and policies and practices governing its use. On June, 2025, they sent an open letter to Todd Lyons, ICE acting director, signed by senators Cory Booker, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, Bernie Sanders, Adam Schiff, Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren, and Ron Wyden. [6] [7] On November 3rd, a second letter was sent to the ICE by senators, after not receiving answers to questions from the previous letter deadlined for October 2nd. [8]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Cox ·, Joseph (26 June 2025). "ICE Is Using a New Facial Recognition App to Identify People, Leaked Emails Show". 404 Media.
  2. 1 2 3 Kimery, Anthony (17 July 2025). "ICE's facial recognition app raises alarms over expansion of domestic surveillance | Biometric Update". www.biometricupdate.com.
  3. ↑ Sandiford, Michele (15 September 2025). "Lawmakers call on ICE to halt use of facial recognition application". Federal News Network.
  4. ↑ "Wyden, Merkley and Markey Demand ICE Stop Using Mobile Facial Recognition App | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon". www.wyden.senate.gov.
  5. ↑ Kimery, Anthony (4 November 2025). "Senators demand ICE halt use of Mobile Fortify app amid growing privacy concerns | Biometric Update". www.biometricupdate.com.
  6. ↑ "Wyden, Merkley and Markey Demand ICE Stop Using Mobile Facial Recognition App | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon". www.wyden.senate.gov.
  7. ↑ Sandiford, Michele (15 September 2025). "Lawmakers call on ICE to halt use of facial recognition application".
  8. ↑ Kimery, Anthony (4 November 2025). "Senators demand ICE halt use of Mobile Fortify app amid growing privacy concerns | Biometric Update". www.biometricupdate.com.
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