## ELITE: Palantir's Tool for ICE Palantir is developing ELITE, an application for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that maps potential deportation targets, providing dossiers and "confidence scores" on addresses. ICE uses ELITE to identify areas with a high density of people potentially subject to detention. The findings, obtained from internal ICE documents, public records, and sworn testimony, highlight the link between Palantir's technological infrastructure and ICE's field operations. ELITE receives addresses from various sources, including the HHS. ## Functionality and Use of ELITE ELITE, short for "Enhanced Leads Identification & Targeting for Enforcement," is designed to identify and prioritize targets through advanced analytics. A user guide obtained by 404 Media describes how ELITE aims to cover the entire process, from initial identification to approval of selections for field agents. A key feature is the "Geospatial Lead Sourcing Tab," which allows ICE to view potential targets on a map based on criteria such as "Bios & IDs," "Location," "Operations," and "Criminality." Agents can select individuals or specific areas on the map. ## Controversies and Reactions The use of ELITE has raised concerns about mass surveillance and privacy violations. Laura Rivera of Just Futures Law emphasized how ELITE, combined with other information, provides a detailed picture of how ICE identifies people for arrest in real-time. Senator Ron Wyden criticized the indiscriminate use of the app, stating that it allows ICE to arrest and disappear people, turning the process into a random choice like that of a nearby coffee shop. Palantir has worked with ICE for years, initially focusing on criminal investigations. During the Trump administration, the focus shifted to deportation efforts. Internal Palantir documents describe the immigration work as aimed at promoting government efficiency, transparency, and accountability.