Full Breakdown
People vs Palantir Global Week of Action
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Demonstrations
From September 28 to October 1, activists staged coordinated protests in multiple cities to demand that public institutions, hospitals, universities and pension funds terminate contracts with data-analytics firm Palantir Technologies. In San Francisco, more than 1,000 nurses and supporters marched from Jessie Square up Market Street to the ICE detention center at 630 Sansome Street, then sat in front of the building. The following day, September 29, demonstrators gathered outside Palantir’s former Palo Alto headquarters, featuring a sing-along led by the Raging Grannies and street theatre by the group The Wolves. Both actions were part of the “People vs Palantir” Global Week of Action organized by Purge Palantir, the BDS Movement, the American Friends Service Committee, National Nurses United (NNU) and Healthcare Workers for a Free Palestine (UK).
Background on Palantir’s Contested Technologies
Activists contend that Palantir’s software platform, marketed as ELITE, is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify individuals for arrest, allegedly drawing on Medicaid data obtained without proper authorization. They argue that this collaboration enables the detention and deportation of people seeking health care, which they describe as a violation of nursing ethics. In addition, protestors cite concerns that Palantir-operated data centers cause environmental damage, noise pollution and have failed to deliver promised permanent jobs to local economies.
Key Participants and Organizers
- Sandy Reding, RN – President of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNOC).
- National Nurses United (NNU) – The nation’s largest union of registered nurses, leading the San Francisco march.
- Purge Palantir – Coalition coordinating the global actions.
- BDS Movement, American Friends Service Committee, Healthcare Workers for a Free Palestine (UK) – Partner organizations supporting the campaign.
- The Wolves – Menlo Park-based activist group producing banners and placards.
Scale, Timeline and Geographic Reach
- September 28 – Protest actions begin across several continents, with thousands demanding contract cancellations.
- September 29 – Palo Alto demonstration outside Palantir’s former headquarters.
- October 1 – Final day of the coordinated global actions.
- Participants included nurses from across the United States and some from Great Britain, as well as local community members and activist groups.
Official Statements and Criticism
Sandy Reding stated that the violence and destruction carried out by immigration agents, which she says are enabled by Palantir’s technology, constitute a total violation of nursing values of care and compassion. Organizers framed the protests as a call to “cancel contracts” and to oppose the development of Palantir data centers in neighborhoods, citing alleged environmental harms and unfulfilled employment promises. The demonstrations emphasized the slogan “Palantir Out!” and highlighted concerns that the company’s surveillance tools threaten human rights.