Capgemini Moves To Sell US Unit After Backlash Over ICE Contract
French technology and consulting group Capgemini has announced plans to divest its US-based subsidiary following mounting criticism over the unit’s work for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).
The decision comes after sustained pressure from French lawmakers and public scrutiny surrounding a contract under which Capgemini Government Solutions provided services to help locate individuals for immigration enforcement operations. The controversy has intensified amid growing criticism of ICE and related agencies over recent fatal shootings in the United States.
Public records show that Capgemini Government Solutions entered into a contract with ICE on 18 December to deliver so-called “skip tracing” services – a process used to track down people whose locations are unknown. According to US government listings, the subsidiary was set to receive more than $4.8 million for the work, which was due to run until mid-March. The agreement was one of at least 13 contracts the unit held with ICE.
Capgemini said in a statement that it had been unable to maintain sufficient oversight of certain aspects of the subsidiary’s operations to ensure they aligned with the group’s values and objectives. As a result, the company said it would begin the process of selling the business with immediate effect.
The backlash follows heightened tensions around immigration enforcement in the US, particularly after the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The incidents, involving ICE and Border Patrol agents respectively, sparked protests nationwide and renewed debate over the conduct of immigration authorities. Border Patrol operates alongside ICE as part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Since President Donald Trump returned to office pledging tougher immigration enforcement, ICE has carried out large-scale operations across multiple cities, detaining thousands of people. Many of these actions have taken place in public spaces, often drawing protests and confrontations.
Capgemini chief executive Aiman Ezzat acknowledged the controversy last week, saying the company became aware of the nature of the ICE contract through publicly available information. He noted that the work raised concerns because it fell outside the group’s usual activities as a business and technology services firm.
The revelations prompted strong reactions in France. Finance Minister Roland Lescure called on Capgemini to fully disclose its dealings with ICE, while left-wing lawmaker Hadrien Clouet urged sanctions against French companies collaborating with the agency, saying such cooperation was unacceptable.
Founded in 1967, Capgemini is one of France’s largest listed companies, employing more than 340,000 people worldwide. The group is valued at approximately €22 billion and operates across consulting, digital transformation and IT services.
