Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff faces criticism after proposing the use of the company’s AI technology to assist ICE in recruiting immigration officers and enhancing deportation efforts.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is under fire following reports that he proposed leveraging the company’s artificial intelligence technology to support the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its recruitment and deportation initiatives.
Internal documents obtained by The New York Times reveal that Benioff suggested using Salesforce’s AI capabilities to help ICE recruit 10,000 new agents and streamline the agency’s deportation processes. The materials included a five-page memo, a spreadsheet outlining potential opportunities with ICE, and slides detailing how AI could assist in processing tip-line reports and investigations. Salesforce confirmed the authenticity of these documents but refrained from providing detailed comments, citing the confidential nature of its contracts.
This revelation is likely to provoke further controversy among San Francisco’s liberal community, which has already expressed discontent with Benioff’s previous comments advocating for the deployment of the National Guard to address crime, drug issues, and homelessness in the city.
At this week’s Dreamforce conference, which concluded Thursday at the Moscone Center with nearly 50,000 attendees, Benioff did not address questions regarding his comments on ICE or the National Guard. His earlier endorsement of using National Guard troops to enhance public safety had already drawn criticism prior to the conference.
During a session at Dreamforce, Benioff emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “The number one thing that’s on my mind is safety. It’s all about trust and safety — it’s our highest value here.”
The U.S. government is Salesforce’s largest client, with various agencies, including the Army, Coast Guard, and Veterans Affairs, utilizing the company’s products. While Salesforce has previously collaborated with ICE under both the Obama and Biden administrations, its recent proposal to assist in scaling up enforcement operations marks a significant shift in its approach.
Benioff has positioned himself as a strong supporter of San Francisco, pledging billions to the city, including a commitment of $15 billion over the next five years. On Thursday, he also announced a $1 million donation to the San Francisco Police Department.
Salesforce’s involvement with ICE is not an isolated case among Bay Area tech firms. Recently, the White House hosted a summit with executives from OpenAI, Google, Oracle, Apple, and Meta to discuss potential collaborations on artificial intelligence and other federal technology initiatives.
The actions of Salesforce and other tech giants in Silicon Valley highlight the growing intersection between technology companies and federal policymaking. As discussions around public safety, AI regulation, and federal partnerships intensify, these engagements illustrate how influential tech leaders are shaping national priorities while navigating scrutiny and opportunities in the political landscape.
Source: Original article