Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Aug 21: Human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Wednesday accused US authorities of deploying artificial intelligence-powered surveillance tools from firms Palantir and Babel Street to monitor immigrants and track non-citizens participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Citing Department of Homeland Security records, Amnesty said the AI systems are being used under a “Catch and Revoke” initiative, enabling authorities to scan social media, track visa status, and carry out automated threat assessments, particularly targeting international students, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

“The US government is deploying invasive AI-powered technologies within a context of mass deportation and crackdown on pro-Palestine expression, leading to widespread human rights violations,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, a senior Amnesty official. She warned of a growing “climate of fear” among migrant communities and students on US campuses.

The rights group said Babel X and Palantir’s Immigration OS are central to the monitoring efforts, and urged the companies to withdraw from projects linked to immigration enforcement unless human rights safeguards are guaranteed.

Amnesty further warned that such tools risk emboldening President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, which has already included moves to expel foreign students and professors accused of backing pro-Palestinian protests. The administration has branded the protests as “antisemitic,” intensifying political flashpoints on US campuses.