U.S. use of artificial intelligence tools to suppress opponents of genocide

They accused U.S. authorities of deploying AI technologies from Palantir and Babel Street to surveil immigrants and single out non-citizens in demonstrations supporting Palestinians.

According to one such group, the review of documents—including public records from the Department of Homeland Security—shows that the software provided by these AI companies enables large-scale monitoring and profiling of individuals, typically aimed at those without U.S. citizenship.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, a senior official at a human rights group, said: “The U.S. government, as part of its mass deportation agenda and repression of pro-Palestinian voices, is employing intrusive AI-based technologies that result in widespread human rights violations.”

Experts argue this practice has led to a pattern of unlawful detentions and mass deportations, creating a climate of fear and intensifying the chilling effect on immigrant communities and foreign students at U.S. schools and universities.

Investigations by international organizations have revealed that the U.S. uses AI tools to track migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as part of detention and visa cancellation programs.

According to these groups, this State Department initiative includes monitoring social media activity, tracking visa status, and conducting automated assessments of visa holders, including foreign students.

Guevara-Rosas added: “Systems like Babel X and the Immigration Operating System (developed by Palantir) play a central role in enabling the U.S. government to carry out its repressive tactics. These companies must immediately halt their cooperation with the U.S. government in implementing immigration schemes.”

One human rights organization argued that the use of AI surveillance tools expands President Donald Trump’s ability to arbitrarily deport marginalized individuals.

Since taking office for his second term in January, Trump has targeted major U.S. universities over alleged political bias in favor of anti-Zionist policies, accusing them—without evidence—of participating in antisemitic activities.

The U.S. government has labeled the wave of campus protests and sit-ins demanding an end to Israel’s war in Gaza as antisemitic and has deported foreign students and faculty who participated.

France 24 wrote on the issue: “Trump has turned the student protest movement—particularly those led by foreign students—into a politically explosive issue.”