DHS says ICE has 'no relationship' with spyware maker Paragon Solutions

Exclusive Technology DHS says ICE has 'no relationship' with spyware maker Paragon Solutions May 22, 20264:30 PM ET By  Jude Joffe-Block File image dated May 7, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey, shows a badge hanging over the uniform of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Timothy A. Clary/AFPAFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Timothy A. Clary/AFPAFP via Getty Images Immigration and Customs Enforcement reactivated a previously paused contract with spyware maker Paragon Solutions last year, which raised questions about whether the agency was using commercial spyware to remotely hack into cell phones and if the deal complied with a 2023 executive order. Technology What we know about how the U.S. government uses spyware (and what we don't) But now the Department of Homeland Security says ICE has no current contract or relationship with the Israeli-founded company, which is best known for making a spyware tool called Graphite that can be used to remotely infiltrate devices and access encrypted messages without targets needing to click a link. "ICE has no relationship with Paragon Solutions, Inc. or with the company that acquired them," DHS said in a statement to NPR. ICE first entered into a contract with the U.S. subsidiary of Paragon Solutions in 2024 for an unspecified product. But the Biden administration swiftly put the contract on hold to decide whether it complied with a 2023 executive order barring federal agencies from purchasing commercial spyware that poses a significant security risk to the U.S. or risk of misuse by foreign governments. Sponsor Message Governments have targeted opponents with spyware Foreign governments have repeatedly used commercial spyware to spy on political rivals, journalists, human rights workers and other members of civil society. American politicians and officials have also been targeted, which prompted the Biden administration to take steps to push back on the industry. Paragon Solutions' Graphite tool w...