Fact-check analysisVerified as of September 3, 2025Curated by FactVerify
True

ICE adopts Graphite spyware in contract disclosed on Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025, granting ability to hack phones and encrypted apps

ICE has reactivated a contract with Israeli spyware maker Paragon Solutions, granting it access to the Graphite spyware capable of hacking phones and encrypted messaging apps, as disclosed on September 2, 2025.

Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted apps - Ice (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) | The Guardian

Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted apps - Ice (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) | The Guardian

Source: theguardian.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 3, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

Multiple independent and credible sources confirm that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reactivated a contract with Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company that produces the Graphite spyware. This contract was disclosed publicly on or around September 2, 2025. The spyware is known for its advanced capabilities to hack into mobile phones and surveil encrypted messaging applications such as Signal and WhatsApp.

The Guardian reports that ICE agents will have access to one of the world's most sophisticated hacking tools following the Trump administration's decision to proceed with the contract.theguardian.comtheguardian.comIce obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted...

Forbes details that ICE spent $2 million on Paragon's Graphite spyware, highlighting its ability to surveil encrypted apps and noting the timing in relation to immigration enforcement plans.forbes.comforbes.comICE Spent Millions On Phone Hacking Tech, Just In Time For Trump’s Mass...

TechCrunch and Gadget Review confirm that ICE reactivated this $2 million contract after a pause during the Biden administration due to human rights concerns, with the reactivation occurring in late August 2025.techcrunch.comtechcrunch.comICE reactivates contract with spyware maker Paragongadgetreview.comgadgetreview.comICE Quietly Reactivates $2 Million Spyware Contract After Year-Long Pause

SecurityWeek provides forensic evidence linking Paragon's Graphite spyware to zero-click exploits on the latest iPhones, underscoring the technical sophistication of the tool ICE is acquiring.securityweek.comsecurityweek.comParagon ‘Graphite’ Spyware Linked to Zero-Click Hacks on Newest iPhones

Additional sources such as The Helper and Northeastshooters.com forum corroborate these facts, emphasizing the stealth and power of this cyberweapon.thehelper.netthehelper.netUS News - Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and...northeastshooters.comnortheastshooters.comIce obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted...

Overall, there is strong, consistent evidence from multiple reputable news outlets and security researchers confirming that ICE has adopted Graphite spyware through a contract disclosed on September 2, 2025. This spyware enables hacking into phones and encrypted applications, aligning precisely with the claim in the input.

Primary trail

Verified Sources7

Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and encrypted...

theguardian.com
Open source

US News - Ice obtains access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack phones and...

thehelper.net
Open source

ICE Spent Millions On Phone Hacking Tech, Just In Time For Trump’s Mass...

forbes.com
Open source
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