Key Facts
• October 20, 2025: Amnesty International criticized US authorities for AI surveillance.
• AI tools from Palantir and Babel Street target immigrants and pro-Palestinian activists.
• US Department of Homeland Security documents reveal large-scale monitoring of non-citizens.
• AI systems enable mass surveillance and automated threat assessments for visa holders.
• Amnesty claims these practices lead to human rights violations and fear among communities.
• “Catch-and-Revoke” strategy includes social media monitoring and visa status tracking.
• Palantir and Babel Street urged to halt involvement in immigration enforcement.
• President Trump’s administration labels campus protests as “anti-Semitic” and targets participants.
• Amnesty warns of “chilling effects” on immigrant communities and international students.
Summary
Amnesty International has condemned the US government for deploying AI tools from Palantir and Babel Street to monitor immigrants and pro-Palestinian activists. Investigations revealed that these technologies enable mass surveillance, targeting non-citizens and automating threat assessments for visa holders. Amnesty highlighted the human rights violations caused by these practices, including fear and suppression within immigrant communities and international students. The “Catch-and-Revoke” strategy, involving social media monitoring and visa tracking, has intensified concerns. Amnesty called on the AI companies to cease their involvement in immigration enforcement unless they address these violations. Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration has labeled campus protests supporting Gaza as “anti-Semitic,” further escalating tensions. These actions have drawn widespread criticism for fostering a climate of fear and undermining human rights.
