U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acquired surveillance vans equipped with cell-site simulators through a contract worth $825,000 in 2025. The vehicles, outfitted with technology commonly known as IMSI catchers or “Stingray” devices, can mimic legitimate cell towers to establish connections with nearby mobile devices. The acquisition comes amid increased scrutiny of ICE’s surveillance capabilities, following recent congressional demands to halt the agency’s mobile facial recognition program.
The contract was awarded to TechOps Specialty Vehicles (TOSV), a Maryland-based company that specializes in integrating law enforcement technology into vehicles. The May 2025 contract represents a modification for “additional CSS Vehicles” supporting the Homeland Security Technical Operations program, following a similar $818,000 contract in 2024.
“We don’t manufacture electrical, comms, and technology components, we integrate that product into our overall design of the vehicle,” said TOSV president Jon Brianas.
The cell-site simulator technology functions by presenting itself as the strongest nearby cell tower, prompting mobile devices to establish connections. Once connected, these systems can determine phone locations, collect identifying information such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, and potentially intercept calls and data. The technology can affect all mobile devices within range, including those not specifically targeted. The capability has raised concerns similar to those highlighted in recent cases of IMSI catcher misuse in cybercrime operations.
The systems can operate in either active or passive modes. Active IMSI catchers can track location and intercept data transfers, while passive versions collect identifying information with less intrusive capabilities. The technology may cause phones to switch to less secure protocols, such as 2G, facilitating easier data interception. The vulnerability has prompted technology companies to develop countermeasures, including Google’s upcoming Android 16 feature that will alert users to potential fake cell tower connections.
The deployment of these surveillance systems fits into the broader context of ICE’s immigration enforcement activities. The technology was traditionally associated with military and high-security operations before being adapted for domestic use. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have increasingly adopted similar mobile device identification systems, as shown by recent initiatives to combat unauthorized IMSI surveillance.
Sources: TechShotsApp, Engadget, TechCrunch, FindArticles, FindArticles, Android Authority
