Two undergraduates from Texas have developed an online platform that tracks the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, this initiative is currently rated poorly by the federal authorities.
Jacques Vu and Abby Manuel, freshmen at Rice University, assert that their motive behind the ICE map is to promote transparency.
By using the map, users can see reported enforcement actions and detention sites consolidated in one location.
The information on the map is compiled from various sources, including news outlets from both the political left and right, as well as public records and databases.
At just 19 years old, Vu and Manuel began this project while attending a $90,000-a-year private university in Houston, following their volunteer work teaching English to children in Guatemala.
“Each week, we heard stories of families quietly disappearing. So, we thought, why not create this map?” Vu stated, not inquiring whether the families were undocumented immigrants.
Manuel added, “There was a lack of information, and we wanted to address that.”
However, this week the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized the map, claiming it’s a threat to the safety of ICE agents and hinders immigration enforcement efforts.
A DHS spokesperson remarked that it’s unfortunate that students are using their skills to undermine the will of the American populace by aiding illegal immigrants.
The spokesperson urged Americans to visit their website, highlighting the removal of dangerous individuals from communities, including murderers and gang members.
Despite the controversy, the agency insists that this map won’t deter their objectives.
“DHS remains committed to its mission of ensuring safety for all communities,” they stated. “The efforts of good people are prevailing.”
