The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is looking to develop an AI-driven investigative analytics platform capable of tracking up to a million people and identifying transnational criminal activity.

In a recent request for information (RFI) posted on SAM.gov, ICE outlined its need for a system that can process vast data volumes to detect criminal patterns, support bulk data queries, offer real-time alerts, and integrate with existing infrastructure. The system would draw from commercial, public and proprietary sources — such as social media, court records, blockchain, and travel data.

“ICE requires contractor personnel with the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide data and analytical services to optimize ICE operational support functions to enable mission success. This includes supporting all aspects of ICE screening and vetting, lead development, and criminal analysis activities,” the RFI states. 

The tool is intended to assist with screening, lead generation, and criminal analysis, enabling more targeted investigations. It must also support multilingual translation, including Mandarin, for nuanced intelligence gathering.

ICE expects the system to operate under a blanket purchase agreement with a one-year base and four optional one-year extensions. The move builds on prior government efforts to increase surveillance of foreign nationals.