U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reactivated a $2 million contract with Paragon Solutions, a company specializing in cyber-mercenary and spyware manufacturing, according to reporting by Jack Poulson on Substack on August 29, 2025. This contract renewal raises important privacy and civil liberties concerns, given Paragon Solutions' history and the capabilities of its "Graphite" malware.
Paragon Solutions is a U.S.-based company that develops and sells "Graphite," a sophisticated spyware capable of remotely accessing and controlling both iOS and Android devices. Wired details the initial contract awarded in 2023.
The company operates in a largely unregulated market, selling its tools to governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide.This lack of oversight allows for potential abuse and circumvents crucial privacy protections.