Sen. Peters Presses DHS On ICE Purchase Of Graphite Phone Spyware
Sen. Gary Peters on July 23 sent DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin a letter demanding explanations about ICE's purchase of Graphite spyware that can take control of phones.[1]
Peters said ICE executed a $2 million sole-source contract for Graphite, which can remotely take control of phones and collect messages, photos and location data.[1] His letter asks how many U.S. and non-U.S. persons were targeted, where they were located, the legal authority used, whether data was shared, and gives ICE until Aug. 7, 2026, to respond.[1]
ICE first signed a contract for Graphite in September 2024, then issued a stop-work order in October 2024 and reactivated the program in August 2025.[1] Peters' letter specifically requests records tied to the September 2024 contract, the October 2024 stop-work order and the August 2025 reactivation.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On July 23, 2026, Sen. Gary Peters sent DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin a letter about ICE's use of Graphite spyware.
- ICE executed a $2 million sole-source contract for Graphite, capable of remotely taking control of phones and collecting messages, photos, and location data.
- Peters requested details on how many U.S. and non-U.S. persons have been targeted, where they were located, legal authority for use, and any data-sharing with other entities.
- The letter seeks records tied to a September 2024 contract, an October 2024 stop‑work order, and an August 2025 reactivation, and gives ICE until August 7, 2026, to respond.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time