ICE has tapped Nvidia, the world's first $5 trillion company, to fuel its investigation efforts with powerful computing tools. According to federal records reviewed by The Intercept, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is using Nvidia software licenses for high-performance computing solutions.
The partnership comes as HSI shifts its focus from transnational crime investigations to immigration enforcement, a priority set by President Donald Trump's executive order in January. Under this new framework, HSI agents are being reassigned to carry out immigration arrests, leading to concerns about unchecked power and aggressive policing.
HSI's growing investment in large language models (LLMs) has sparked fears that the agency may be using its technology to surveil U.S. citizens, migrants, and visitors. Nvidia's AI capabilities can analyze vast amounts of data, drawing inference from publicly available information, which could lead to flawed intelligence and potential targeting.
Nvidia claims it adheres to international human rights frameworks, but critics argue that the company's close ties with Trump and ICE raise concerns about its role in enabling authoritarian policies. The Intercept spoke with senior counsel Amos Toh of the Brennan Center for Justice, who warned that these problems make it more likely that people will be targeted based on flawed intelligence.
While Nvidia's software tools may offer valuable insights, their use by HSI also raises questions about accountability and oversight. When asked whether the company could ensure ICE was using its technology lawfully, a spokesperson stated that millions of U.S. consumers, businesses, and government agencies rely on general-purpose computers every day, implying that monitoring is not feasible.
The partnership highlights a broader trend in which large tech firms are being drawn into policing and enforcement efforts, often with unclear consequences for civil liberties and human rights. As one expert noted, HSI agents have been seen rounding up residents for minor infractions and engaging in extreme raids, sparking widespread protests against immigrant enforcement.
The Intercept is an independent news organization funded by members who value press freedom and democracy. We are not beholden to corporate interests, and we rely on the support of our readers to continue our critical reporting.
The partnership comes as HSI shifts its focus from transnational crime investigations to immigration enforcement, a priority set by President Donald Trump's executive order in January. Under this new framework, HSI agents are being reassigned to carry out immigration arrests, leading to concerns about unchecked power and aggressive policing.
HSI's growing investment in large language models (LLMs) has sparked fears that the agency may be using its technology to surveil U.S. citizens, migrants, and visitors. Nvidia's AI capabilities can analyze vast amounts of data, drawing inference from publicly available information, which could lead to flawed intelligence and potential targeting.
Nvidia claims it adheres to international human rights frameworks, but critics argue that the company's close ties with Trump and ICE raise concerns about its role in enabling authoritarian policies. The Intercept spoke with senior counsel Amos Toh of the Brennan Center for Justice, who warned that these problems make it more likely that people will be targeted based on flawed intelligence.
While Nvidia's software tools may offer valuable insights, their use by HSI also raises questions about accountability and oversight. When asked whether the company could ensure ICE was using its technology lawfully, a spokesperson stated that millions of U.S. consumers, businesses, and government agencies rely on general-purpose computers every day, implying that monitoring is not feasible.
The partnership highlights a broader trend in which large tech firms are being drawn into policing and enforcement efforts, often with unclear consequences for civil liberties and human rights. As one expert noted, HSI agents have been seen rounding up residents for minor infractions and engaging in extreme raids, sparking widespread protests against immigrant enforcement.
The Intercept is an independent news organization funded by members who value press freedom and democracy. We are not beholden to corporate interests, and we rely on the support of our readers to continue our critical reporting.
I'm no expert, but isn't it weird that they're using powerful computers for immigration enforcement? Sounds like a scene from Minority Report, "You're under arrest... for overstaying your visa?" 
Anyway, can we really trust big tech firms not to get caught up in authoritarian stuff? It's like, when I'm playing Fortnite, my aim is true, but I don't wanna see real-life law enforcement using similar skills to target people. 
And what about accountability? You'd think ICE would need some serious proof before targeting someone, but apparently, it's all about "flawed intelligence" now... that sounds like a bad game of Dungeons & Dragons, where the DM just rolls a bunch of dice and calls it a day! 
this is so worrisome 
- big corps like Nvidia getting into policing & enforcement is a huge red flag 
. AI tech can be super powerful, but it's not invincible 
.ICE using it for surveillance 
on US citizens is just plain creepy 
. Nvidia says they're all about human rights, but their ties with Trump & ICE make me question that 
. We need more transparency & accountability 
so this doesn't happen again 
But at the same time, I'm super concerned about how this is going to affect people's rights and freedoms. Like, what if Nvidia's AI technology is used to surveil innocent people? 
That would be soooo bad! But on the other hand, I get that ICE needs some help with their investigations... maybe they're not using Nvidia for anything shady after all? 
And honestly, I'm also a bit worried about the fact that big tech firms are getting involved in policing efforts... it's like, what's next? 
i mean i guess it's all about efficiency or whatever but shouldn't they be more careful with their tech not to infringe on civil liberties, right? 
I mean, think about it - HSI is using these fancy computer tools to target U.S. citizens, migrants, and visitors... it's like, totally unacceptable!
. We need to make sure our law enforcement agencies are using tech in ways that protect civil liberties, not infringe on them. The fact that Nvidia claims to follow human rights frameworks but has close ties with Trump and ICE is just suspicious 
. Can't we find a way to use tech for good, without sacrificing our freedom? 
. The more powerful tech we create, the more it can be used against us. I mean, think about it... AI's are getting so good at analyzing data, it's hard to distinguish between fact & fiction. And now, the gov't's using that same tech to track people down? It's like, where does accountability even start?
. And what's up with the general-purpose computer angle? You think ICE is gonna magically police itself just 'cause everyone else uses Nvidia software? 
This partnership stinks like dirty socks on a public transportation seat 
- it's time for some serious oversight, pronto!
. I get that they claim to follow international human rights frameworks, but it's hard to trust when they've got so many ties to the admin 
. We need to make sure that these tech giants aren't just profiting off of the system, but also using their resources to enforce oppressive policies #NotMySurveillanceState.
. We need to stay vigilant and demand better from our tech companies and government agencies #StayInformed, #DemandBetter.