Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly utilizing a proprietary software platform developed by Palantir Technologies to identify and prioritize individuals for enforcement actions. User guides obtained by 404 Media detail how the tool, named Enhanced Leads Identification & Targeting for Enforcement (ELITE), generates geospatial maps of potential targets complete with confidence scores regarding their addresses.
ELITE functions as a targeting tool designed to enhance capabilities for identifying high-value targets through advanced analytics, according to the user guide documentation. The platform aggregates data from various sources, including the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to construct detailed dossiers on individuals.
These dossiers reportedly contain essential identifiers such as names, dates of birth, Alien Registration Numbers, and photographs, alongside a calculated "confidence score" out of one hundred indicating address certainty. An ICE officer confirmed in a deposition that agents use the geospatial feature to select denser target areas rather than isolated locations with low address probability.
The software permits agents to select targets individually or collectively by drawing shapes around specific geographic zones on the map, utilizing criteria such as “Bios & IDs,” “Criminality,” and “Location.” This functionality streamlines the process of identifying areas rich with potential enforcement targets, as noted in court documents related to a Woodburn, Oregon, raid.
While the user guide does not explicitly name the creator, the application’s full designation appears within a supplemental agreement valued at $29.9 million with Palantir, which commenced in September. This follows a previous agreement for ICE to develop an ImmigrationOS platform utilizing artificial intelligence for target tracking.
This deployment of advanced analytics for enforcement operations occurs as ICE concurrently monitors social media platforms 24/7, surveying sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit. The agency has also integrated AI into its recruitment efforts, though a technical error reportedly led to inadequately trained officers entering the field.
Palantir continues to expand its footprint in governmental data processing, providing tools that move beyond simple data aggregation toward predictive and operational targeting systems. The use of such precise mapping and scoring mechanisms raises significant questions regarding data provenance and procedural transparency in immigration enforcement.
The integration of high-confidence predictive analytics into field operations marks a significant evolution in how federal agencies execute complex enforcement strategies. Observers will monitor how these technological deployments influence future operational mandates and public oversight mechanisms.
