ICE confirms use of Paragon spyware in drug trafficking cases

Per TechCrunch, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed its use of spyware developed by Paragon Solutions in drug trafficking investigations. This revelation comes via a letter sent to lawmakers, detailing the agency's deployment of advanced technological tools.

The acting head of ICE, Todd Lyons, approved the use of Paragon's spyware by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to combat the exploitation of encrypted platforms by foreign terrorist organizations. This move follows a 2024 contract with Paragon Solutions, which was initially suspended by the Biden administration due to concerns about compliance with an executive order restricting government use of commercial spyware. The contract was reactivated in September 2025. Paragon Solutions has previously been implicated in scandals involving the targeting of journalists and activists in Italy.

Source: TechCrunch