Amnesty International has publicly denounced the use of sophisticated AI-powered surveillance technologies by US authorities to monitor and target individuals at pro-Palestinian protests, raising significant human rights concerns. The criticized technologies, developed by Palantir and Babel Street, have been deployed extensively to surveil not only immigrants but also activists and protestors across the nation.

Documentation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside previously disclosed procurement and privacy assessment papers, revealed the potential of these AI tools for mass monitoring and profiling. This capability has been particularly weaponized against vulnerable groups including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director at Amnesty International, highlighted how these practices have led to unlawful detentions and mass deportations, fostering a climate of fear among migrant communities and international students.

The use of Babel X by Customs and Border Protection dates back to 2019, allowing for the extraction of personal data such as social media posts, IP addresses, employment history, and mobile app-generated IDs. This facilitates the pinpointing of an individual’s device location without the typical legal safeguards, as this data is collected from what is considered public domain.

The reliance on AI for making critical decisions about individuals’ affiliations with so-called "terrorist" causes has been troublesome. The systems make decisions based on simple keyword searches, which can result in significant errors, potentially stripping individuals of their livelihood and stability in the US.

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, on March 8 marked a stark example of these practices. Following the revocation of his visa and green card, Khalil's case was cited as a "justified" move to curb pro-Palestinian support, leading to his mandatory appearance in Immigration Court. Legal experts have criticized the broad discretionary powers used in his and similar cases under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The implementation of AI detection tools in this context not only undermines privacy rights but also sets a dangerous precedent for the erosion of human rights within the United States, as these technologies continue to be used in ways that may infringe upon fundamental freedoms and civil liberties.