Boston Dynamics employees protest sale of robot dogs to ICE

Boston Dynamics employees have expressed deep concern over the company's decision to sell its robot dogs to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A petition signed by hundreds of staff members has been sent to executives, urging them to halt the sale.

The petition, which garnered more than 300 signatures, was addressed to Boston Dynamics' top brass in early September. The signatories, who make up nearly a quarter of the company's workforce, expressed dismay at the prospect of their creations being used by ICE. Many employees have been inundated with questions and concerns from friends and family about the deal.

According to the petition, the decision to sell the robot dogs to ICE poses significant risks for Boston Dynamics. The signatories argued that the company's reputation would suffer irreparable damage if it went through with the sale. They also expressed concern over the potential consequences of their work being used in a way that could harm or detain individuals.

The employees who signed the petition are normally enthusiastic about showcasing their innovations to the world, but the prospect of their creations being used for ICE's purposes has left them feeling uneasy and conflicted. The company's workforce is comprised of approximately 1,400 people, with over 300 staff members signing the petition in protest of the deal.

Boston Dynamics' executives have thus far stood by the contract awarded to a Connecticut-based firm, Radeco, which will provide modified versions of the robot dogs to ICE for $1.3 million. According to the company, the robots will not be weaponized, but the decision has clearly sparked controversy among employees who are concerned about the implications of their work being used in this way.

The contract between ICE and Radeco to purchase four modified Boston Dynamics Spot robots has raised concerns among Boston Dynamics employees.

These modified robots, known as Cerberus, have been equipped with advanced sensors and cameras to detect radiation, toxic gas leaks, and explosive threats in urban environments or disaster zones. Additionally, they feature a 30-times zoom camera, 360-degree cameras, and infrared thermal imaging capabilities for enhanced surveillance. The oxygen sensor is designed to ensure air quality is safe for personnel in confined spaces.

The Cerberus robot's robotic arm can be extended to manipulate objects and open doors, providing additional camera views when necessary. This feature enables the robot to navigate complex industrial environments autonomously and execute repeatable missions with minimal human intervention.

According to the contract, the purchase of these robots will support ICE's mission to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks conducted by criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational organizations. The Homeland Security Task Forces aim to disrupt these activities across the United States.

The capabilities of the Cerberus robot have sparked concerns among Boston Dynamics employees about the potential use of their company's technology for law enforcement purposes, particularly in immigration-related contexts.

Boston Dynamics' stance on selling its robot dogs to ICE has been met with skepticism by some employees who are now pushing for a block on such sales. The company's emphasis on the robots being used for safety purposes seems at odds with the concerns raised by the petition.

The Homeland Security Investigations unit of ICE is said to be the primary beneficiary of these robot dogs, according to Boston Dynamics' own statements. However, this unit has been involved in high-profile operations targeting undocumented workers and conducting workplace raids during previous presidential administrations.

Documents from the Brennan Center for Justice reveal that the Homeland Security Investigations unit was actively involved in deporting individuals and conducting workplace raids between 2018 and 2021 under President Donald Trump's administration. This involvement was reportedly halted after US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas took office in January 2025, but it resumed later on.

The Boston Dynamics employee petition specifically highlighted an incident where ICE agents conducted a workplace raid at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility in Georgia, detaining over 475 South Korean workers. This event occurred just last year, and it has been linked to changes made by President Trump's executive orders that redefined the primary mission of the Homeland Security Investigations unit.

Hyundai Motor Group acquired Boston Dynamics in June 2021, raising further questions about the potential use of the company's technology for immigration enforcement purposes. The petition from Boston Dynamics employees is now calling on the company to reconsider its stance on selling robot dogs to ICE.

The Boston Dynamics employees' petition has taken a strong stance against the company's contract with Radeco, which would see its robot dogs being sold to ICE for use in immigration enforcement.

The petition highlights the harsh treatment of civilians by ICE, including some employees' colleagues at Hyundai, and argues that working on such projects goes against the values of those involved. It also emphasizes that all aspects of ICE contribute to a culture of fear among people living in the US.

Hyundai's continued operations at its US electric vehicle production facility, the Metaplant America factory, have come under scrutiny following a major immigration enforcement operation. This move sparked public outrage and led South Korean leaders to question their country's business investments in the US.

Boston Dynamics' leadership team has maintained that the ICE contract with Radeco is in line with the company's purpose of advancing intelligent machines for human benefit. However, this stance is at odds with the concerns raised by employees who object to their work being used by a government agency they see as brutalizing civilians.

Amanda McMaster, former interim CEO of Boston Dynamics, responded to employee concerns in an email obtained by several publications. She urged workers to respect and accept the company's decision on the ICE contract, even if they disagree with it, citing the company's commitment to ethically advancing intelligent machines.

Boston Dynamics' terms of sale for the Spot robots explicitly prohibit their use as a weapon or to harm people or animals. This clause is part of the company's broader commitment to ensuring its products are used responsibly.

The robotics firm has previously signed an open letter opposing the weaponization of advanced-mobility general-purpose robots, highlighting its stance on the issue. Boston Dynamics' spokesperson confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security and its Investigations unit have worked with the company for years, adhering to these terms and conditions.

Boston Dynamics claims it would take swift action if any customer misused a Spot robot, including voiding warranties and terminating licenses. The company asserts this approach has been effective in preventing any instances of misuse by public safety agencies, which include the Department of Homeland Security.

The robotics firm's internal employee backlash against the ICE contract contrasts with its efforts to establish itself as a responsible player in the industry. Boston Dynamics is investing heavily in new technologies and facilities, including a $100 million project in Waltham, Massachusetts.

This ambitious initiative aims to create 1,250 new jobs by 2033, reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation and growth. The development of an advanced robotics and AI facility near its headquarters underscores Boston Dynamics' focus on pushing the boundaries of what is possible with robotics and artificial intelligence.

Boston Dynamics' employees have expressed concerns over the company's association with a contract to supply robot dogs to ICE, sparking fears of potential backlash against the company.

The staff members who signed the petition worry that this decision will make Boston Dynamics a less attractive employer, making it harder for the company to build and retain a diverse team as it scales up its production capabilities. They also fear that their colleagues may quit over this issue, which could hinder the achievement of shared company goals.

As a result of these concerns, Boston Dynamics employees are pushing to block the sale of robot dogs to ICE.