Palantir exec defends company’s immigration surveillance work

A founder of startup accelerator Y Combinator recently criticized data analytics company Palantir, prompting a defense from a company executive.

The criticism arose after it was revealed that ICE is paying Palantir $30 million to create a system to aid in deportation decisions.

Y Combinator founder Paul Graham expressed concerns about Palantir’s involvement with ICE, while Palantir’s Ted Mabrey defended the company’s work with the Department of Homeland Security.

Mabrey emphasized the importance of the work Palantir does in saving lives and highlighted the need for belief in their mission when facing criticism.

Graham challenged Palantir to publicly commit not to build tools that violate the US constitution, to which Mabrey responded by affirming the company’s dedication to ethical practices.