New report connects anti-homeless Cicero Institute to prisons, surveillance, and defense contractors
(WASHINGTON D.C. – June 2nd, 2026) Today, we’re releasing new research showing that the billionaire co-founder and his tech bro allies at the Cicero Institute – the right-wing think tank pushing laws that make it a crime to be homeless across the country – have deep financial connections to industries set to profit from its anti-homeless policies.
Here’s what we learned:
- Private Prisons: Lonsdale and Cicero have close ties to an organization aiming to operate a private “nonprofit” prison. These ties to prisons are especially concerning given Cicero’s anti-homeless policies incentivizing cities and states to incarcerate homeless people.
- Profit Motives: 8VC, Lonsdale’s venture capital firm, is invested in companies that profit from surveillance, fear, and policing, and Trump’s attacks on immigrants.
- Ties to Defense Contractors: Cicero’s c4 arm, Cicero Action, has lobbied for military and defense spending. These activities are disconnected from its stated mission.
On top of that, the report includes information on Lonsdale’s massive donations to Trump and Republicans, many of whom are actively enacting the Cicero Institute’s anti-homeless agenda. It also highlights how the Cicero Institute is influencing White House policy. Specifically, Trump’s anti-homeless Executive Order echos Cicero policies.
What is the Cicero Institute?
The Cicero Institute is a right-wing think tank based in Austin, Texas. It was founded by Joe Lonsdale, a billionaire venture capitalist and the co-founder of Palantir, the infamous tech giant known for selling data for government surveillance, including ICE detentions. Over the last decade, Cicero has become one of the loudest voices shaping the growing attacks on homeless people. Cicero advocates for forced labor, forced treatment, and detention camps. They advocate against real solutions to homelessness, like housing and support.
We have always known who is hurt most by Cicero laws – our neighbors who can’t afford rent and have no choice but to live outside. But today’s report reveals who stands to benefit from their laws and influence.
The policies that Lonsdale and his allies are pushing will not get more people off the streets. Instead, they will force more people into homelessness, sickness, and jail.
If we want to truly solve homelessness, we need policies that make sure everybody has access to the housing and support they need to thrive – not policies that line the pockets of the billionaires. Join the Housing Not Handcuffs campaign to fight for solutions that put people over profit.
