ICE’s Migrant Hunt Expands to Social Media, Fueled by AI and Palantir Contracts
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasingly utilizing advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and social network analysis, to expand its surveillance of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. This shift is raising concerns about privacy, due process, and potential abuses of power.
A key component of this expanded surveillance is “ImmigrationOS,” an application developed with assistance from Peter Thiel and powered by Palantir Technologies. Palantir, a data analytics firm, has seen a significant increase in government contracts as 2017, exceeding $900 million, according to The New York Times.
Reports from immigrant advocacy organizations detail the growing reliance on private technology providers. A report by Mijente, titled Who is behind ICE? The technology and data companies driving deportations, highlights ICE’s increasing use of cloud infrastructure, data analysis, and social media monitoring programs. The report specifically notes how social media feeds provide a foundation for ICE to generate leads.
The American Immigration Council echoes these concerns, emphasizing the need for independent audits of AI-driven systems used in immigration enforcement. Thay warn that errors within these systems could lead to wrongful detention, loss of legal status, or improper deportation.The Council also notes that some Palantir engineers have voiced ethical concerns about designing tools capable of mass surveillance, arguing it undermines civil liberties.
The invasiveness of this technology and its potential risks to migrants are highlighted by Sophia Fox-Cahn of STOP. She warns that the surveillance could target individuals based on their political beliefs or religion – rights protected by the Constitution.
Immigration lawyers are already observing the impact of this increased scrutiny. Ismael Labrador, based in Miami, reports clients expressing anxiety about their social media posts, fearing they could be used against them. He advises asylum seekers, who are already facing persecution, to exercise extreme caution with their online activity, as any comment perceived as opposing the current administration’s policies could be misinterpreted.
Thomas kennedy, of the Florida Immigrant coalition (FLIC), describes the monitoring as a “fishing expedition,” where contractors search for possibly incriminating information based on broad and often unfounded criteria, such as political opinions or hyperbolic statements.
this expanded surveillance extends beyond physical locations, with ICE’s presence in cities like Chicago already creating a climate of fear for immigrant communities. Now, the reach of immigration authorities extends into cyberspace, further pushing individuals into the shadows.
