Federal investigators and local law enforcement agencies are
now using cellphone snooping devices to find illegal immigrants. These
cell-site simulator devices mimic cellphone towers. When phones connect to the
device—which can be mounted on a police vehicle—it downloads information such
as a history of numbers dialed and connected, the identification numbers of
phones, and private messages.
Civil rights activists have condemned the use of the
cell-site simulator, called Hailstorm, in the United States, arguing that it
will inevitably lead to the oppression of people’s rights; however, a
spokesperson from Immigration and Customs Enforcement advocated the use of
Hailstorm during criminal investigations, calling it an “invaluable law
enforcement tool.”
The
Detroit News reported on the first public acknowledgement of the use of
Hailstorm by federal agents. In March, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
ICE agents used the device to find 23-year-old Rudy Carcamo-Carranza of El
Salvador. Carcamo-Carranza had been deported twice, and there were two warrants
out for his arrest: one for a hit and run accident and another for drunk
driving.
The use of cell-site simulators is yet another example of
how the United States is cracking down on illegal immigration. If you or a
member of your family is in the country illegally, it is crucial that you
investigate possible paths to obtaining a green card.
Charles Kuck is an immigration attorney in Atlanta who will
evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and provide comprehensive legal
guidance. Call 404-816-8611 today to schedule a consultation at Kuck Immigration
Partners.
How Did Agents Find Rudy
Carcamo-Carranza?
In March, Homeland Security deportation officer Jeremy
McCullough applied for a warrant to find Carcamo-Carranza’s cellphone. In the
warrant, McCullough requested the use of a cell-site simulator. A U.S.
Magistrate Judge approved the warrant.
Investigators discovered the approximate location of Carcamo-Carranza’s
phone. The suspect was spotted on March 16. A search warrant was then obtained
for the home where investigators saw Carcamo-Carranza, and they raided the home
on March 23.
Carcamo-Carranza was arrested. According to court records,
investigators found a fake green card that had Carcamo-Carranza’s picture, a
phony Social Security number, and an alias name.
Carcamo-Carranza now faces charges that could send him to
prison for 10 years. His trial is scheduled for July 11.
How Common Is the Use
of Cell-Site Simulators?
Homeland Security and the Justice Department invested $95
million to purchase 430 cell-site simulators from 2010 to 2014. Most of these
devices went to the FBI and Homeland Security. Local law enforcement agencies
can obtain Hailstorm using terrorism prevention grants from Homeland Security.
In 2015, the Justice Department enacted a policy that
required federal investigators to obtain a search warrant before using the
device; however, this policy does not apply to local law enforcement agencies
in most states.
If you or your loved one is in the United States are worried
about deportation or removal, contact Kuck Immigration Partners to discuss your
options. Call 404-816-8611 to schedule a consultation with a green card lawyer
in Atlanta. You can learn more about U.S. immigration laws by visiting www.immigration.net
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