Staff members from Elon Musks newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are currently engaged in an ambitious project to construct a comprehensive database aimed at expediting immigration enforcement and deportation processes. This initiative seeks to amalgamate sensitive data from various federal agencies, according to multiple sources who spoke with CNN on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the project.

The primary objective of this new database is to create a vast repository of information drawn from diverse governmental entities. Agencies involved in this data consolidation effort include the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), among others. Previous attempts by the administration to centralize such data have received substantial attention and scrutiny.

Palantir Technologies, a prominent Silicon Valley data analytics firm co-founded by Peter Thielan ally of Muskhas been enlisted to assist in the development of this extensive database. Known for its past collaborations with immigration officials for criminal investigations, Palantirs involvement in this endeavor marks a significant expansion of its role, as the project aims to identify individuals with civil immigration infractions.

According to insights from a former senior IRS employee familiar with the project, the capabilities of this database could enable the administration to construct a systematic deportation machine. This suggests a troubling turn in the usage of collected data, as concerns mount regarding the implications of allowing streamlined access to highly sensitive personal information for immigration enforcement.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed vehement opposition to this initiative, with some alleging that the DOGE is rapidly, haphazardly, and unlawfully exploiting the personal data of American citizens. The project has become a focal point of contention, particularly as it aims to facilitate the generation of "targeting lists"essentially databases that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can use to locate, detain, and deport undocumented migrants within the United States.

In a bid to bolster immigration enforcement, there is pressure from the White House to escalate deportation efforts. CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Palantir, and DOGE for comments regarding the timeline and operational status of the master database, but no responses have been provided thus far.

The involvement of Palantir in this project is noteworthy, as the company has established itself as a key government contractor, particularly in the realm of data management. Given its existing contracts with the IRS, it is seen as a logical choice for DOGE, with many suggesting that existing contracts could be modified to accommodate new objectives, streamlining the process of integrating data from various sources.

A senior IRS official stated that the goal is to create a system capable of rapidly queuing information. As the official articulated, Theyre going to take the information we already have and put it into a system. Everyone is converting to Palantir. The DHSs contract with Palantir explicitly includes objectives related to streamlining selection and apprehension operations of illegal aliens, which raises alarm among privacy advocates and civil rights organizations.

The development of a comprehensive dataset could significantly aid immigration officials in swiftly identifying undocumented individuals who may be eligible for deportation. However, existing challenges have included inaccuracies in current targeting lists, leading to increased workloads for agents tasked with verifying information on individuals.However, skepticism remains regarding Palantirs effectiveness in serving ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations, especially since these operations necessitate detailed logistical planning. As one former Homeland Security official noted, while Palantir has proven useful for processing specific data sets, it is largely perceived as a general-purpose tool that may not meet the specialized needs of immigration enforcement.

In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Trump commented on the purpose of the DOGEs database, stating it is designed to identify waste, fraud, and abuse within the system while aiming to reduce costs. When asked about the potential for the data to be utilized for rounding up migrants for deportation, Trump replied, Not that I know of, no. Yet, this assurance does little to quell the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

As the Trump Administration moved forward during its early days, tensions flared between DOGE allies and IRS career officials over the access to sensitive taxpayer data. Despite strong objections from high-ranking IRS officials, a data-sharing agreement with ICE was reached earlier this month, leading to allegations of a hostile takeover of the tax-collection agency.

Despite assurances from the Treasury Department that taxpayer data is being managed strictly in accordance with the law, legal challenges have emerged, with several unions and immigrant rights organizations arguing that privacy laws are being violated. A federal judge is expected to rule soon on the legality of the IRS sharing taxpayer data with ICE, amid growing scrutiny over DOGE's expansive data-collection initiatives.

In a joint Fox News interview last month, DOGE representatives defended their efforts to modernize the IRS systems, emphasizing their commitment to improving efficiency and service delivery. However, concerns linger regarding the implications of their actions, particularly with respect to the handling of sensitive personal data.

As the DOGE continues to push for enhanced inter-agency data-sharing, whistleblowers have emerged, bringing to light alarming details about the potential risks associated with their operations. Reports indicate that DOGE engineers are attempting to circumvent network security protocols to create specialized systems that grant access to multiple agency databases.

Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly has raised serious concerns about the security implications of such actions, suggesting that DOGEs practices could lead to widespread breaches of sensitive information. The potential dangers of mishandling personal data underscore the critical need for scrutiny and oversight of these initiatives.

As this story develops, it is clear that the intersection of technology, immigration enforcement, and individual privacy rights will remain a contentious area of debate in the coming months.