Jude Joffe Block

That's called Elite.

It's made by the company Palantir.

And one ICE agent described it in court testimony as showing an interface like Google Maps.

ICE also has access to a tool that collects data that can be used to track cell phone locations.

And this week, more than 70 Democratic members of Congress wrote a letter urging the agency's watchdog to investigate this.

Yeah, well, the agency didn't answer all of our questions about these tools or how they're being used, saying they would not, quote, reveal law enforcement methods or tactics.

But in a statement to NPR, they refuted claims that these tools are unlawful.

When it comes to allegations that facial recognition technology violates the Fourth Amendment, the agency said its use is, quote,

governed by established legal authorities and formal privacy oversight.

And regarding allegations that the agency is violating the First Amendment, DHS said freedom of speech does not include, quote, rioting.

Though, to be clear, the activists we spoke to were engaged in peaceful protests and observation.

Well, I'll give you one example.

Our story opens with this video that the Department of Homeland Security posted this week.

And it shows these helmeted, heavily armed border agents in a helicopter rappelling down, breaking down doors.

And, you know, it's this very militaristic, combative imagery.

It's captioned with a Bible verse.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

You know, it's this juxtaposition, you know, religious overtones.

And it's coming in this week where there's this push, this really heavy handed push to control the narrative of immigration policy in Minnesota.

And especially after this fatal ice shooting last week.