Smart glasses have become a recurring accessory in the context of immigration enforcement.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly informed employees that they were not allowed to wear Meta glasses while working. A memo sent to staff stated that “use of Meta Glasses or similar devices could unintentionally capture, record or transmit sensitive information, potentially compromising privacy and legal protections.” The New York Times reported.
The policy apparently covers all agency employees, not just field officers. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said The New York Times that workers have “always” not been allowed to use “personal body cameras.” While the memo may be more of a clarification of an existing policy, the fact that ICE sent such a memo highlights how Meta’s smart glasses have become increasingly visible in the broader context of U.S. immigration enforcement.
ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents have been spotted wearing Meta’s smart glasses several times in recent months. In one case, reported by 404 Mediaa CBP officer was seen recording with his glasses on despite the policy. In another case, a member of the Border Patrol wore a pair during an immigration raid. Similar sightings have occurred in at least six states, according to an investigation by The Independent.
But while DHS now advises personnel not to use smart glasses while working, the agency is reportedly interested in an official version of the technology. Budget documents reported by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein indicate that ICE hopes to equip its agents with custom-made smart glasses with “biometric identification capabilities” by next year.
Although Meta has not publicly determined whether its product is a good fit for law enforcement, an association with ICE is unlikely to gain any new fans. The company is facing a growing backlash against the product. Never-before-seen facial recognition created by Meta has heightened fears about how the device could potentially be used for surveillance. The glasses’ LED, which is supposed to protect privacy, also proved easy to bypass.
