A military contractor with roots in the controversial firm Blackwater has been contracted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to locate 1.5 million targeted immigrants nationwide, according to recently reviewed records.
Contract Details and Scope
On December 15, ICE finalized a deal with Constellis Holdings to provide “skip tracing” services. This task involves locating immigrants and relaying their whereabouts to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for apprehension. The contract, stemming from a Trump administration initiative, stipulates that contractors will receive monetary bounties for quickly locating individuals, utilizing any surveillance methods they deem appropriate.
Constellis was formed in 2014 through the merger of Academi, formerly Blackwater, and Triple Canopy. The company and its subsidiaries have earned billions of dollars through contracts involving the protection of military installations, embassies, and properties, as well as work with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. intelligence agencies.
A History of Controversy
Blackwater, founded in 1997 by Erik Prince, faced international condemnation for its actions in Iraq, prompting multiple name changes. Despite Prince’s resignation as CEO in 2009, Constellis maintains it has no current relationship with him. However, his reported interest in privatizing immigration enforcement aligns with Constellis’s new role.
In February, reports indicated that Prince was among a group of military contractors who advocated for a “Skip Tracing Team” and a “bounty program” to expedite the tracking of immigrants, citing a lack of federal resources. The Trump administration subsequently allocated over $1 billion to skip tracing, with a significant portion awarded to companies like Constellis.
To date, the government has paid Constellis $1.5 million, with the potential for total payments to exceed $113 million by 2027.
Records indicate that the Constellis subsidiary, Omniplex World Services, will employ unspecified techniques to locate individuals on ICE’s target list. These contractors will not be identified as federal agents while conducting surveillance at homes and workplaces.
This contract could provide a financial boost for Constellis, which has reportedly experienced revenue declines in recent years. The company remains involved in international security work, including guarding a U.S. radar installation in Israel and pursuing contracts related to the Guantánamo Bay detention facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “skip tracing”?
Skip tracing refers to the process of locating individuals who are deliberately avoiding contact. In this case, Constellis is tasked with finding immigrants targeted by ICE for apprehension.
How much money could Constellis potentially earn from this contract?
The contract has the potential to be worth more than $113 million by its completion in 2027, with $1.5 million already paid to Constellis.
What is the connection between Constellis and Erik Prince?
Constellis was formed through the merger of companies previously associated with Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater. While Constellis states it has no current relationship with Prince, his advocacy for privatizing immigration enforcement aligns with the company’s current work.
As ICE moves forward with this program, what impact will the involvement of a private contractor with a complex history have on the rights and treatment of those targeted for removal?
