ICE Triples Microsoft Cloud Data Amid Immigration Crackdown, Leaked Files Show
Exclusive documents obtained by the Guardian and its partners, +972 Magazine and Local Call, reveal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) significantly deepened its reliance on Microsoft's cloud technology last year. This occurred as the agency intensified its arrest and deportation operations under the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.
Surge in Cloud Storage and Spending
According to the leaked files, ICE more than tripled the amount of data stored in Microsoft's Azure cloud platform in the six months leading up to January 2026. During this period, the agency's budget swelled, and its workforce rapidly expanded. In January, ICE held nearly 1,400 terabytes in Azure, up from 400 terabytes in July 2025. If this data comprised only photographs, it would be equivalent to approximately 490 million images.
The agency boosted spending on cloud computing as it expanded through 2025, with Amazon and Microsoft emerging as beneficiaries of deals worth tens of millions of dollars struck by third-party resellers. ICE received a $75 billion budget increase in July, making it the highest-funded US law enforcement body, and embarked on a technology spending spree, awarding contracts to firms like Palantir.
Use of Microsoft Tools and AI
ICE appears to be using a range of Microsoft's productivity tools and AI-driven products to search and analyse data stored in Azure. The documents indicate the agency has utilised Azure services, including "blob storage" for raw data, AI tools for analysing images and videos, and text translation capabilities. Additionally, ICE is renting virtual machines on Azure to run software remotely and has expanded access to Microsoft's suite of productivity apps, which include document management tools and an AI chatbot.
It remains unclear from the files whether Azure is used to store or analyse information from surveillance activities or supports other functions like running detention centres or deportation flights. ICE did not respond to a request for comment.
Controversy and Employee Concerns
The documents raise questions about whether Microsoft technology is facilitating an immigration crackdown by an agency accused of unlawful operations and excessive force. Microsoft employees have raised internal concerns about ICE's use of the company's technology, filing ethics reports. In December 2025, Microsoft responded to one report by stating it does not have contracts that "support immigration enforcement," later narrowing this to acknowledge contracts with ICE and DHS but denying AI services tied specifically to enforcement activities.
A Microsoft spokesperson said the company provides cloud-based tools to DHS and ICE through partners, adding that its policies do not allow technology to be used for mass surveillance of civilians, and it does not believe ICE is engaged in such activity. The spokesperson emphasised that Congress, the executive branch, and the courts should draw clear legal lines for emerging technologies in law enforcement.
Broader Tech Industry Backlash
Microsoft is not alone in facing employee disquiet over business with federal immigration authorities. For large US tech groups, ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have become increasingly controversial due to aggressive tactics and involvement in fatal shootings. Last week, Amazon workers and activists protested outside the company's Seattle headquarters, demanding it cut ties with these agencies. Amazon benefits from large cloud deals with DHS to provide infrastructure to ICE and CBP.
At Google, which also provides cloud services to both agencies, more than 1,300 workers have signed a petition demanding an end to complicity, citing violations of civil and human rights by DHS. This growing backlash highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by tech companies in their dealings with government agencies engaged in contentious immigration enforcement.
