Dear Editor,

I was encouraged to read the Newton Beacon’s coverage of the local demonstration at Representative Auchincloss’s Newton office on March 2 in the article “Protesters call out Auchincloss on Palantir donations.” It’s important for the Beacon to cover current local activism.

Taking Palantir campaign contributions casts doubt on Congressman Auchincloss’s  commitment to immigrants. Palantir, the surveillance tech company, is one of ICE’s top contractors. Its technology helps ICE track, detain and disappear immigrants. In his short time in office, Congressman Jake Auchincloss has received more than $25,000 in political donations from Palantir—by far the most of anyone in the Massachusetts congressional delegation.

Congressman Auchincloss says he stands with immigrants. But if that is the case, he should give away the donations he has taken from the corporation that is helping ICE hunt immigrants—and instead give the money to community and immigrant groups.

Arnie Bauchner
Newtonville