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ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project

October 19, 2026

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A new ICE program called ERO ONE would install 142 “intelligence” analysts to engage in what sounds like a sweepingly broad and vague fishing expedition to collect data and identify “threats.” In our current context, this program could not be more ominous, raising the specter of a secret police-like body that pokes around vast datasets looking for threats and enemies everywhere.

The program came to light through federal procurement documents posted online last month and reported on by data journalist and military analyst Michael Wriston and the American Prospect .

The most detailed description of the program (the full name of which is “Enforcement and Removal Operations Overwatch and National Security Enforcement”) is in a “ statement of work ” document, which says that ICE “requires contractor-provided intelligence” by personnel who

will support ERO ONE in researching, evaluating,…