ICE seeks voice biometrics to identify detainees and outside callers in AI surveillance system

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on SAM.gov to gather industry input on an AI-based Integrated Intelligence Suite. The suite would be deployed across detention facilities operated by ICE, private contractors and government partners. A 73-page Performance Work Statement (PWS) accompanies the RFI. This page is based on a Biometric Update news article describing the RFI, not on the PWS itself. No lots are mentioned.

The requested capability combines three functions. The first is mandatory voice biometrics: the system builds speaker profiles from existing detainee call recordings without enrollment, subject cooperation or new equipment. It searches for matching speakers regardless of number, account, PIN or device, and flags account sharing, three-way calls and third-party participation. The second is AI analysis of communications: transcription, translation, detection of context and coded language, summaries and draft reports. The third is continuous video analytics on existing cameras: incident and behaviour detection, safety and wellness alerts, analysis of associations between people, and automated headcounts checked against housing and movement records. These sources are to be correlated with detainee-management and investigative records into searchable relationships, timelines, case records and exportable evidence packages with audit trails.

The PWS also sets safeguards. Privileged legal calls must be excluded from processing. Voice matches are treated as investigative leads that require human confirmation. AI findings may not be the sole basis for consequential decisions. Facial recognition and video biometric identification are not required and would need separate approval. Enrichment of outside-party identities and autonomous multistep analytical assistance are optional and would need separate authorization. Vendors must measure false matches, missed matches and alert accuracy, but final acceptance thresholds will be set through testing with representative data.

The procurement is at the market research stage. No contract value, procedure type for a later solicitation, contract duration, deployment schedule or number of facilities has been stated. Vendor responses are due 26 October 2026. Responses go through the SAM.gov opportunity, and the source does not state the submission format or language. No eligibility rules, reference or staffing requirements, or award criteria are given in the source.