On Thursday, police apprehended six individuals following a protest outside the New York office of Palantir. The demonstration was organized to express opposition to the company’s collaborations with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Israeli military, and other initiatives.
According to Planet Over Profit, the advocacy group behind the event, over 30 people participated in the protest, which took place in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
When contacted, the New York Police Department did not provide immediate information regarding whether charges were filed against the six detained protestors.
Planet Over Profit later reported that all six individuals were released later that morning.
In a statement, Planet Over Profit criticized Palantir’s role in “turbocharging ICE deportations, complicity in the genocide of Palestinians and plans to massively expand surveillance of every U.S. resident.” The organization further claimed, “Palantir’s tech programs are being used to deport our neighbors, kill civilians in Gaza, enhance oil extraction, and deny health insurance claims,” according to comments made to Finance Newso.
“If your company kills for profit, we will disrupt you,” a spokesperson for the group asserted.
Palantir did not respond to a request for comment regarding the protest.
Co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, Palantir is currently led by CEO Alex Karp, who contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump’s inaugural fund. The company has drawn scrutiny for its defense contracts and software agreements with governmental agencies.
In April, ICE contracted Palantir for $30 million to enhance its ability to monitor individuals self-deporting, as disclosed in federal documents.
Earlier this year, Karp indicated that some Palantir employees had departed the company due to his vocal support for Israel, anticipating further resignations on the same grounds. During an earnings call, he expressed “exceedingly proud” sentiments regarding Palantir’s operations in Israel following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, noting the firm’s involvement in vital military operations.
Despite the controversy, shares of Palantir have surged 500% over the past year, reaching an all-time high for the current year as of Wednesday morning.
