Goldman, Wyden, Velázquez Demand Answers on ICE Surveillance Tech

Lawmakers press for details on Palantir's role in immigration enforcement data collection.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:00am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes and lines in shades of blue, grey, and black, conceptually representing the complex web of surveillance technologies used by government agencies.Lawmakers demand transparency on the government's use of invasive surveillance technologies against immigrant communities.NYC Today

U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Nydia Velázquez, have demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the use of Palantir-developed technologies for mass surveillance of immigrants and other individuals.

Why it matters

This inquiry highlights ongoing concerns over the expansion of government surveillance powers, particularly when it comes to vulnerable immigrant communities. The lawmakers are seeking transparency around the specific technologies and data-sharing practices being used by ICE.

The details

In a letter to DHS and ICE, the lawmakers requested details on the nature and scope of Palantir's contracts with the agencies, the types of data being collected and analyzed, and the legal authorities governing these surveillance activities. They also asked for information on how this technology has been used to identify, track, and detain immigrants.

  • The letter was sent on April 17, 2026.

The players

Dan Goldman

U.S. Representative from New York's 10th congressional district.

Ron Wyden

U.S. Senator from Oregon.

Nydia Velázquez

U.S. Representative from New York's 7th congressional district.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department responsible for domestic security, including immigration enforcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that falls under the Department of Homeland Security, tasked with enforcing immigration laws.

Palantir

A data analytics company that has developed technologies used by government agencies like ICE for data collection and surveillance.

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What they’re saying

“The American people deserve to know the full extent to which ICE is using Palantir's powerful surveillance tools to track and target immigrant communities.”

— Dan Goldman, U.S. Representative

“Transparency and oversight are critical when it comes to the government's use of invasive surveillance technologies, especially against vulnerable populations.”

— Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator

“We must ensure that the civil liberties and due process rights of all individuals are protected, regardless of immigration status.”

— Nydia Velázquez, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The lawmakers have requested a response from DHS and ICE within 30 days, after which they may consider further congressional oversight actions.

The takeaway

This inquiry underscores the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of emerging surveillance technologies by government agencies, particularly when it comes to monitoring vulnerable populations like immigrant communities. The lawmakers are seeking to shed light on these practices and ensure proper safeguards are in place.