A startling investigation has uncovered a highly unorthodox and controversial tactic allegedly employed by US immigration authorities: using the popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go to track and lure undocumented migrants.
According to a report by The Intercept, officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are accused of creating fake in-game events and 'raids' to attract individuals to specific locations. The operation, believed to have taken place in 2018 and potentially more recently, targeted communities with high migrant populations.
The Mechanics of a Digital Sting
The scheme reportedly exploited the game's core mechanics. Agents would identify PokéStops or Gyms—real-world locations where players gather—near immigration courts or in neighbourhoods home to many undocumented families.
By activating special in-game items like 'Lure Modules,' which attract Pokémon and consequently players, agents could draw targets to a predetermined area under the guise of a gaming event. This method allegedly allowed for surveillance and the identification of individuals for potential arrest.
Internal Documents Reveal Strategy
Internal government documents and communications seen by investigators suggest the tactic was discussed at high levels. One email from a special agent reportedly detailed the plan, highlighting the game's ability to 'place a lure at a PokéStop at a specific time, attracting people to that location.'
The revelation has sparked outrage among migrant advocacy groups, who condemn the operation as a predatory and deceptive misuse of a platform popular with families and young people.
Official Responses and Ethical Concerns
When questioned, a spokesperson for ICE declined to comment on specific investigative techniques but stated that the agency 'utilises various methods to enforce immigration laws.'
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, has not publicly commented on this specific allegation. However, the company's terms of service strictly prohibit using the game for illegal or unauthorized purposes.
Legal and ethical experts have raised serious concerns, arguing that such tactics could erode trust in both law enforcement and technology platforms. 'Using a game designed for entertainment to conduct surveillance is a profound breach of public trust,' said a digital rights advocate.
This incident highlights the increasingly blurred lines between digital entertainment and state surveillance, posing new questions about privacy and the limits of enforcement in the modern age.
