Companies Cut Ties with ICE
The growing scrutiny of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked significant actions from businesses internationally. Capgemini, a prominent French consulting and IT firm, announced the planned sale of its U.S. division that collaborates with ICE. This decision underscores the mounting criticism of ICE’s enforcement tactics.
Capgemini’s Controversial Contract with ICE
Capgemini’s U.S. division was awarded a $4.8 million contract by the Department of Homeland Security in December. This contract involved providing ICE with “skip tracing services” aimed at locating hard-to-find individuals. Recently, the company faced increased pressure following revelations from the Multinationals Observatory, a corporate watchdog based in Paris.
In a LinkedIn statement, Capgemini’s CEO Aiman Ezzat addressed concerns about the nature of the work linked to ICE. He acknowledged that the operations aligned poorly with the firm’s typical business objectives. Consequently, the division represented only 0.4% of Capgemini’s global revenue in 2025 and less than 2% of its revenue from the U.S.
Public Pressure on Canadian Companies
The backlash against ICE is not confined to the United States. In Canada, Jim Pattison Developments has faced similar public condemnation. The leader of British Columbia’s Green Party called for a boycott of Pattison’s businesses unless he ends ties with ICE. These businesses include grocery stores and various other operations.
In response to the pressure, Jim Pattison Developments announced it would not proceed with a warehouse sale in Ashland, Virginia, intended to support ICE operations. No further details about this decision have been released.
Hootsuite, a Canadian social media management platform, also encountered protests over its association with ICE’s public affairs office. Demonstrations took place outside its Vancouver headquarters as calls for the company to reconsider its business dealings with ICE intensified.
Responses from American Firms
American companies are also reevaluating their relationships with ICE. Property owners in Oklahoma City stated they would no longer pursue engagements with the Department of Homeland Security. Mayor David Holt praised their decision on social media, reflecting local support for the withdrawal.
Additionally, major retailers like Target and Best Buy have urged for a reduction in tensions surrounding ICE’s recent enforcement actions, signifying a broader movement among businesses to distance themselves from the agency.
Conclusion
The actions taken by Capgemini, alongside various Canadian and American companies, illustrate the increasing backlash against ICE and its practices. As public opinion shifts, businesses are making significant decisions to cut ties with ICE, demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards in their operations.
