DHS accused of storing ICE observer dossiers in Palantir database

A proposed class action lawsuit filed in federal court in Maine alleges that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) compiled extensive dossiers on individuals observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. According to court filings, these dossiers—which include photos, license plate numbers, and other personal information—were stored in the Investigative Case Management (ICM) database, a system built by Palantir Technologies.

The plaintiffs, including Elinor Hilton, Colleen Fagan, Polyxenia Pantos, and Carlyn Williams, claim that DHS agents engaged in intimidation tactics during ‘Operation Catch of the Day,’ an immigration enforcement surge in Maine. Allegations include agents conducting drive-bys of observers’ homes and subjecting one observer to secondary border inspections.

JoAnna Suriani, an attorney for Protect Democracy representing the plaintiffs, stated that the government is treating individuals exercising their First Amendment rights as criminal suspects. A spokesperson for DHS described the lawsuit as ‘meritless,’ asserting that the claims are based on the false premise that the agency maintains a database of ‘domestic terrorists.’