Department of Homeland Security Hires Bounty Hunters to Track Deported Individuals
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is engaging private investigators to locate deported individuals and ensure they pay outstanding fines. This initiative, part of the Tracing and Payment Recovery Services program, is capped at $9 million over two years. The program involves verifying the current residences of deported individuals in countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala through commercial data verification and physical observation. Evidence such as photographs of homes, utility bills, and employment records are used to confirm addresses. The program also requires contractors to deliver flyers listing fines owed by these individuals. The initiative follows the issuance of over $84 billion in fines to immigrants accused of failing to depart the U.S., a practice revived during President Trump's administration. 
