ICE Directs Staff to Stop Wearing Meta Smart Glasses Over Data and Privacy Risks

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reportedly told employees that they are not permitted to wear Meta glasses while they work. A memo sent to staff said that “the use of Meta Glasses or similar devices could unintentionally capture, record, or transmit sensitive information, potentially compromising privacy and legal protections,” The New York Times reported.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that personnel have consistently been prohibited from using personally owned body-worn recording equipment. Despite that rule, federal agents have worn Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses during field operations in multiple jurisdictions. An investigation by The Independent identified personnel wearing commercial smart glasses across at least six states during enforcement actions and public-facing duties.

In one instance reported by 404 Media, a Customs and Border Protection officer recorded individuals using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at an enforcement checkpoint. The consumer devices incorporate digital cameras, microphones, and wireless connectivity that upload footage to external servers. Demonstrations by technology researchers, including a 2024 project at Harvard University called I-XRAY, showed that Ray-Ban Meta glasses can pair with facial recognition software to instantly retrieve subjects’ names, addresses, and family details from public databases.

But while DHS is now advising staff to not use smart glasses while they work, the agency is reportedly interested in pursuing an official version of the technology. Budget documents reported by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein indicate ICE is hoping to equip its officers with bespoke smart glasses that have “biometric identification capabilities” by next year.

The agency’s budget justifications outline plans to integrate real-time facial recognition and database matching directly into customized heads-up displays. Unlike consumer wearables, law enforcement smart devices are designed to operate over encrypted government networks with centralized administrative controls over stored recordings.

Commercial Meta glasses feature a small LED light meant to signal active video recording to the public. Third-party tests demonstrated that the light indicator can be physically covered or electronically bypassed without disrupting camera functionality. Meta has not issued public guidance regarding law enforcement use of its wearable devices.