# Boston Dynamics Employees Protest ICE Robot Dog Sale

> Hundreds of Boston Dynamics workers demand halt to robot dogs sold to ICE.
- Title: Boston Dynamics Employees Protest ICE Robot Dog Sale
- Summary: Hundreds of Boston Dynamics workers demand halt to robot dogs sold to ICE. Boston Dynamics employees signed a petition with 300+ signatures urging executives…
- Keywords: boston dynamics, ice, robot dogs, spot robots, cerberus, homeland security investigations, hyundai motor group, deportations, workplace raids, robotic arms, technology, science
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/10/boston-dynamics-employees-want-to-block-sale-of-robot-dogs-to-ice
- Published: 2026-10-26T18:50:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: boston dynamics, ice, robot dogs, spot robots, cerberus, homeland security investigations, hyundai motor group, deportations, workplace raids, robotic arms, technology, science
## Employee Petition
Hundreds of Boston Dynamics employees signed a petition calling for executives to halt a sale of robot dogs to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

> Many of us have gotten messages from friends and family, asking us in disbelief and horror if this news is true, and how we can live with ourselves if it is
## ICE Contract Details
On September 25, the Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.3 million to Radeco for modified Boston Dynamics Spot robots.
## Cerberus Robot Features
The Cerberus robots include an oxygen sensor for breathable air in confined spaces, 30-times zoom camera, 360-degree cameras, and infrared thermal imaging.
## ICE's Use Case
The robots are intended to detect radiation, toxic gas leaks, explosive threats in urban environments or disaster zones.
## Hyundai Connection
Hyundai Motor Group became Boston Dynamics parent company after acquiring the US robotics company in June 2021.
## Employee Concerns
Employees referenced a September 4, 2025 raid that detained 475 South Korean workers at Hyundai Metaplant America facility in Georgia.

> We cannot be proud of working at Boston Dynamics when that work is being used by a government agency that brutalizes civilians
## Company Response
Boston Dynamics leadership stood by the ICE contract, stating robots would not be weaponized and would follow ethical terms.

> We believe this decision is in line with our purpose of ethically advancing intelligent machines in service of humanity
## Terms of Use
The company prohibits intentional use of robots to harm or intimidate any person or animal as a weapon.
## Workforce Impact
Employees fear the ICE contract will threaten workforce hiring and retention as Boston Dynamics scales operations.

> We fear we will lose teammates over this decision, and worry about the risk it creates to achieve our shared company goals
## Future Concerns
Boston Dynamics plans $100 million facility in Waltham, Massachusetts creating 1,250 jobs by 2033.
## Key takeaway

Boston Dynamics employees signed a petition with 300+ signatures urging executives to stop selling robot dogs to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, claiming the robots would be used in deportations and workplace raids.