Nearly 1,000 Google employees have signed a petition urging the company to sever what they describe as ties with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The petition claims that Google&rsquo;s technology is being used in surveillance systems and immigration enforcement operations, which employees argue contribute to violence and repression. It also alleges that the company&rsquo;s cloud services support data integration for border surveillance and tools used to track immigrants.
Workers further expressed concern that generative AI tools were being utilised by DHS and CBP to enhance workforce capabilities and operational efficiency. The letter also criticised app store policies and advertising practices, claiming certain tracking apps were blocked while recruitment and &ldquo;self-deport&rdquo; advertisements were allowed on company platforms.
Titled &ldquo;Googlers Demand: Worker Safety &amp; ICE Contract Transparency,&rdquo; the petition calls on company leadership to disclose all contracts and collaborations with immigration agencies and withdraw from such partnerships. Employees described their concerns as both ethical and policy-driven, stating that those who build the technology should not see it used in ways they consider harmful.
Among the key demands is an acknowledgement of risks faced by US-based workers, along with stronger community responses and government action. Employees also want an emergency town hall with leadership to address questions about contracts with DHS, CBP, and military entities.
The petition urges the company to implement stronger safety measures for all staff, from office employees to data centre workers, including flexible remote work options and legal or immigration support where necessary.
Additionally, workers are seeking clear guidelines on acceptable uses of Google&rsquo;s cloud and AI products, as well as full transparency on how government agencies may be deploying them.
Google has not yet publicly responded to the petition.

Nearly 1,000 workers seek transparency, safety steps over DHS partnerships

Google Staff Petition Against ICE Tech Ties

Nearly 1,000 workers seek transparency, safety steps over DHS partnerships

February 8, 2026 | 17:15 IST