Salesforce Pitched ‘Talent Acquisition’ Contract to ICE
Salesforce, led by CEO Marc Benioff, is generating controversy for its recent pitch to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with talent acquisition. The proposal intends to expand ICE’s workforce by nearly 10,000 new personnel. Reports suggest that Salesforce’s pitch included innovative uses of artificial intelligence to enhance recruitment and proposed an aggressive marketing strategy to attract potential candidates.
Salesforce’s Contract Proposal to ICE
In August 2024, Salesforce submitted a five-page memo to the Trump administration offering its services to ICE. The memo was a response to ICE’s request for proposals to address its hiring challenges. The need for more personnel in ICE has significantly increased under the current administration.
- Proposal included AI software to assist in recruitment.
- Sought to nearly triple ICE’s workforce.
- Highlighted a marketing strategy to attract more recruits.
Background on Salesforce and Government Contracts
Salesforce has a history of working with ICE that dates back over ten years, under both the Obama and Biden administrations. According to the New York Times, federal agencies are considered Salesforce’s largest customer, contributing significantly to its revenue. This relationship raises questions about Benioff’s public support for Trump, especially given the political climate in 2025.
State Senator Scott Wiener criticized the memo’s implications, calling it “completely unacceptable” for a San Francisco company to support ICE’s expansion. Similarly, SF Supervisor Danny Sauter expressed concern over the contradiction between Benioff’s claimed support for San Francisco and his ties to ICE.
Reactions and Implications
The backlash against Salesforce and Benioff has prompted a response from the CEO. After a week of controversy, he walked back his comments suggesting the need for National Guard deployment in San Francisco. In a recent tweet, Benioff stated, “I do not believe the National Guard is needed to address safety in San Francisco” and emphasized the importance of collaboration and community spirit.
As Salesforce navigates this public relations challenge, the implications of its ties to ICE and the broader impact on its reputation will likely continue to unfold.
