These Are the Unusual Rules People in the Witness Protection Program Must Obey

A protected witness may disappear from everyone they once knew, but they do not disappear from federal officials. Participants are generally required to report where they live and explain important activities. Their movements cannot remain completely private while the government is responsible for protecting them.

This means someone with a secret identity may still need to check in regularly and discuss what is happening in their life. Moving, changing jobs, or making risky contacts can attract attention. They escaped their old world, but their new one may still be closely monitored.