- A new platform, ICERAID, has emerged, offering cryptocurrency rewards to individuals who report suspected illegal immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- The initiative claims to utilize citizen participation to enhance law enforcement efforts, encouraging users to upload geotagged photos of alleged illegal activities
- Despite assertions of success, ICERAID faces criticism and skepticism, with some investors demanding refunds and questioning the project’s legitimacy
A recently launched platform, ICERAID, is incentivizing users with cryptocurrency to report suspected illegal immigrants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a move straight out of George Orwell’s 1984, participants can earn Solana-based tokens by uploading geotagged images of purported illegal activities. The project asserts that it is engaging citizens to assist law enforcement and claims to have sold over 65 million tokens during its presale, but concerns have arisen regarding its operations and affiliations.
Report Illegal Immigrants, Get Paid
ICERAID positions itself as a “GovFi protocol” that delegates intelligence-gathering tasks to citizens, rewarding them for capturing and uploading images related to alleged criminal activities. The platform’s website states, “The more images and locations you upload, the more ICERAID you earn.” Columbia District Judge James Boasberg, who blocked President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration deportation flights earlier this month, is listed on the ICERAID explorer for “obstruction of justice”.
Founder Jason Meyers explained the concept in a February discussion on X, highlighting the use of artificial intelligence to validate submissions and assess suspects’ sentiments. Despite claiming no official government affiliation, Meyers has indicated ongoing conversations with the White House about the project.
The initiative has garnered attention from conservative activists and politicians. Laura Loomer, a prominent conservative commentator, promoted ICERAID on her podcast, while former Congressman Matt Gaetz described it as a tool that allows citizens to “ping the cops faster than you can say sanctuary city.” These endorsements have amplified the platform’s visibility, positioning it as a means for citizens to actively participate in immigration enforcement efforts.
What Could Go Wrong?
Despite its promotional success, ICERAID faces scrutiny from investors and users. Some participants report not receiving the tokens they purchased during the presale, leading to demands for refunds. However, the platform’s administrators have stated that refunds are not possible, further fueling dissatisfaction.
Additionally, ICERAID’s classification as a “memecoin” and Meyers’ history of disciplinary actions for selling unregistered securities have raised questions about the project’s legitimacy and financial practices.
The platform’s approach to citizen-led reporting also raises significant ethical and legal concerns. Critics argue that incentivizing individuals to report suspected illegal immigrants could lead to profiling and false accusations, potentially violating individuals’ rights. Legal experts caution that such initiatives must navigate complex legal frameworks to ensure compliance with privacy and civil liberties protections.
