On the morning of the demonstration, approximately 100-150 activists gathered at 9200 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, the headquarters of Thiel Capital, owned by tech billionaire and Trump mega-donor Peter Thiel.
The protesters, who emphasized their non-violent stance, utilized multiple entry points to enter the building, managing to occupy two lobby areas. One of these lobbies surrounded a security desk, while the other was situated at the lobby’s entrance.
A smaller faction aimed to deliver a pointed letter to Thiel’s personal office, voicing their demands for an end to the use of Palantir Technologies in the surveillance and tracking of immigrants.
This protest was structured to bring attention to Palantir Technologies, the Thiel-supported intelligence and defense firm known for its AI-driven data platform. This technology is utilized by military and law enforcement agencies to analyze personal data, including social media activity, in order to identify, surveil, arrest, and prosecute individuals.
The demonstrators specifically targeted Palantir for its alleged role in assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and tracking undocumented immigrants. Concerns have been raised that this technology may increasingly be weaponized against various groups deemed enemies by the government, extending beyond undocumented individuals.
According to a flyer circulated by the organizers, today’s actions were aimed, in part, at condemning Palantir’s $30 million contract with ICE, which some believe contributes to mass deportations.
“We’re here in West Hollywood, at Thiel Capital,” said Jenny Colón, a local community member, in an interview with L.A. TACO. “Peter Thiel is a billionaire running Palantir, a mass-surveillance company that fuels ICE raids in Los Angeles. They profit from coming into our communities and taking vulnerable citizens from their homes, schools, and lives.”
A contingent of about 35 protesters remained outside the building, displaying a diverse assembly in terms of races, ages, and abilities. An email from a press release linked to “palantirtakedown” noted that some attendees had family members “kidnapped” by ICE just that week.
The crowd chanted slogans such as “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here!” while raising signs with messages like: “Frodo has failed, Peter Thiel has the ring,” “Peter Thiel is a vampire,” and “Mass movement, not mass surveillance.” Passersby in vehicles frequently honked in solidarity.
Within the lobby of the building—home to upscale venues including Soho House and Boa Steakhouse—a different group of demonstrators gathered, recognizable by their large guitars and oversized basketball sculptures. This group rallied with signs, various speeches, and rhythmic chants announcing, “Hey hey, ho ho, Peter Thiel has got to go!” and “ICE get outta L.A.”
Fernanda, a member of Climate Defenders, addressed the crowd, stating, “Palantir is collaborating with ICE, and we are sending a message that ICE is not welcome in L.A. They target immigrants and vulnerable populations, and we cannot let this continue.”
“We need to recognize that this affects the entire immigrant community and the vibrant social fabric of Los Angeles, which is built on the backs of immigrants,” she added.
Around 11 AM, a small group of sheriff’s deputies started to gather outside the building, ultimately forming a presence of nine officers. After consulting with building personnel, the deputies took up positions just outside the entrance where demonstrators continued their protest.
As noon approached, there was no direct engagement between law enforcement and the protesters, who remained resolute in their positions. Nearby, four or five police vehicles with flashing lights stood parked at the corner of the block.
Despite the peaceful demeanor of the demonstration, tensions ran high as a total of 13 activists were arrested. This information was later confirmed through a release sent to L.A. TACO.
Additional reports indicated that a letter requesting Palantir to terminate its support for ICE and the ensuing raids on undocumented individuals was successfully delivered to Thiel’s office.
L.A. TACO attempted to obtain comments from Palantir but did not receive a response at the time of this report.
Attendees expressed outrage over the influence of billionaires like Thiel, accusing them of providing ICE with personal data obtained through Palantir’s technology.
“Yesenia Miranda-Meza, identifying herself as a community advocate at the demonstration, articulated her deep anger over billionaire-industry ties to ICE. “It’s infuriating how they have this much power without accountability.”
Yesenia emphasized the historical context of her family’s immigration story, stating, “My grandfather came as a bracero. I didn’t cross the border; the border crossed me. They seem to forget that this country was built on our backs.”
“It’s painful to hear them tell us to go back to our own country—the land of our ancestors,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Native people have shed blood over this land, and the way they treat us today is infuriating.”
The demonstration served not only as a call to action against a specific company, but also as a broader commentary on the intersection of technology, surveillance, and the rights of marginalized communities. As the event unfolded, it highlighted the growing concerns surrounding the implications of AI and surveillance technologies in contemporary society.
image source from：https://lataco.com/palantir-protest-sunset-la
