Silicon Valley is experiencing a seismic shift as tech workers increasingly challenge their companies’ collaborations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recent investigations have revealed a startling expansion of ICE operations across the United States, sparking widespread employee activism and ethical concerns.

The latest reporting exposes a secret campaign by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security to establish over 150 new leases and office locations in almost every state. These facilities are strategically positioned near sensitive locations like elementary schools, medical offices, and places of worship, raising alarm among local communities and tech workers alike.

Palantir, a prominent data analytics company, finds itself at the center of this controversy. Employees have been vocal about their ethical reservations regarding the company’s contracts with ICE, forcing CEO Alex Karp to address their concerns through an extensive video message. Despite Karp’s attempts to justify the partnerships under the guise of maintaining “Western power,” workers remain unconvinced.

This mounting resistance reflects a broader trend of employee activism in the tech industry. After years of relative silence following major social justice movements, workers are increasingly demanding accountability from their employers. Companies like Google have already seen hundreds of employees petition to end ICE collaborations.

The expansion goes beyond physical office spaces. ICE is set to dramatically increase its legal and enforcement operations, with plans to establish new offices in cities ranging from Birmingham, Alabama to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These developments signal a concerning trend of increased surveillance and potential civil liberties violations.

Tech workers and journalists are playing a crucial role in bringing these expansions to light, emphasizing transparency and public awareness. By publishing detailed information about ICE’s operations, they’re challenging the administration’s attempts to operate in secrecy.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with its ethical responsibilities, this moment represents a pivotal turning point. Employees are sending a clear message: technological innovation cannot come at the cost of human rights and civil liberties.