people · May 22, 2026
The Lever Uncovers ICE Contractor’s Phantom Clients and Executives
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The Lever reported in May 2026 that Edge Ops LLC secured a $12 million ICE contract despite listing phantom clients, dubious claims, and disappearing executives on its pre-scrubbed website. The vendor had no apparent history of federal contracts and was founded as a sailboat holding company by a couple with defense ties. Congressional leaders Bennie Thompson and Shri Thanedar cited the reporting when they sent a May 20, 2026, letter to acting ICE Director David Venturella seeking answers on the no-bid award for Project SAFE HAVEN. Archived web pages preserved the questionable marketing materials after the company removed them. The investigation highlights concerns over the contract’s origins and the tool’s use for immigrant surveillance.