Minnesota AG Releases Consumer Alert On ICE Surveillance Tools

SAINT PAUL, MN — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday issued a consumer alert warning Minnesotans that federal immigration authorities are increasingly using digital surveillance tools to identify and track people, and urging residents to take steps to protect their online privacy.

Ellison’s alert cites reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is using advanced surveillance methods that rely on data originally collected through everyday online activity, including phone apps, smart devices and vehicles.

According to the alert, the data is often obtained through data brokers, companies that collect massive amounts of personal information, create individual profiles and sell that data to third parties. Ellison’s office warned that even seemingly routine actions, such as using a weather app, can result in personal data being gathered and resold.

“ICE appears to be accessing information collected by data brokers, among other sources,” the alert states, adding that the practice raises serious privacy concerns for Minnesotans.

Ellison urged residents to be proactive about protecting their digital privacy, while acknowledging that no single step can fully eliminate surveillance risks.

“There is not one perfect solution,” the alert states, “but taking small, deliberate steps is worthwhile.”

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office outlined several actions people can take to reduce their digital footprint, including:

• Minimizing online data collection by using privacy-focused browsers and search engines and limiting the amount of personal information shared online.
• Keeping phones and devices updated with the latest software and security patches.
• Disabling location services, particularly for apps that do not require location data to function.
• Using secure messaging platforms with end-to-end encryption.
• Protecting physical access to devices by using strong passwords, disabling biometric access such as FaceID or TouchID, and limiting actions that can be taken from a locked screen.
• Using Airplane Mode when appropriate to reduce cellular tracking, while noting that GPS signals may still function.
• Regularly reviewing privacy settings on phones, apps and social media accounts.

The alert also highlights the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, which went into effect July 31, 2025. The law grants consumers certain rights over their personal data, including the ability to request deletion of information held by businesses and data brokers.

Ellison’s office said deleting data held by companies that consumers no longer interact with could make it more difficult for outside entities to access private information.

More information about the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act is available through the Attorney General’s Office at privacymn.com.