Microsoft said on Wednesday that it does not believe the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is using its technology for mass surveillance of civilians. However, the company confirmed that it provides cloud based productivity and collaboration tools to the agency.
The statement followed a report by The Guardian which said ICE had increased its reliance on Microsoft’s cloud services last year. The newspaper cited leaked documents and reported that the agency expanded its arrest and deportation operations during that period.
Growing Use Of Azure Cloud
According to the report, ICE more than tripled the amount of data it stored in Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform in the six months leading up to January 2026. During that time, the agency’s budget rose and its workforce expanded rapidly.
The Guardian also reported that ICE appeared to use a range of Microsoft productivity tools and AI driven products to search and analyse the data stored in Azure.
In response, a Microsoft spokesperson said the company provides cloud based productivity and collaboration tools to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE through key partners. The Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE.
Moreover, the company stressed that its policies and terms of service do not allow its technology to be used for the mass surveillance of civilians. It added that it does not believe ICE is engaged in such activity.
Calls For Clear Legal Boundaries
At the same time, Microsoft urged U.S. institutions to define clearer rules. It said Congress, the executive branch and the courts should draw clear legal lines on how law enforcement may use emerging technologies.
ICE declined to comment on specific investigative techniques, tools or technologies used in ongoing criminal investigations. Nevertheless, the agency said it employs various forms of technology to support the arrest of criminals.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has faced criticism from human rights advocates over his immigration crackdown. Critics argue that the measures create an unsafe environment and lack due process. ICE has become a symbol of the crackdown, particularly after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens last month.
However, Trump has defended his policies. He has said his actions aim to strengthen domestic security and curb illegal immigration.
Previous Scrutiny Over Government Contracts
Microsoft has previously faced scrutiny over how governments use its technology. Last September, the company said it had disabled certain services used by an Israeli military unit. It took that step after preliminary evidence supported a media investigation alleging mass surveillance of Palestinian phone calls. Those ties had triggered protests within the company, and some protesters were dismissed.
The latest dispute again places Microsoft at the centre of debates over privacy, surveillance and the role of technology firms in law enforcement.
With inputs from Reuters
