Paragon Faces Ethical Crossroads Over ICE Spyware Contract

An Israeli spyware company, Paragon, has found itself at the center of an ethical dilemma following a $2 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Signed in September 2024, the agreement remains under review and has yet to take effect, with Paragon yet to supply its surveillance tools to ICE. The contract, which would allow ICE to use Paragon’s spyware, has been paused since its signing, with Homeland Security issuing a stop-work order to assess compliance with a Biden-era executive order restricting the use of commercial spyware that could violate human rights.
Paragon, which markets itself as an “ethical” surveillance vendor, previously severed ties with Italy after it was revealed that Italian authorities had used Paragon’s tools to spy on journalists. Now, the company may face a new test of its principles as ICE, under the Trump administration, has expanded its immigration enforcement operations, detaining thousands of migrants and U.S. citizens using data from federal databases and technology provided by govtech firms like Palantir.
With two months left before the contract expires, Paragon’s decision could have significant implications for its reputation as an ethical vendor. Advocacy groups, including Access Now, have urged Paragon to reconsider the agreement, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s record on human rights and civil liberties. For now, Paragon has declined to comment on its plans or clarify its stance on the ICE contract, leaving its decision — and its ethical credentials — uncertain.

Published: 7/12/2025