European Tech Giant Severs Ties with U.S. Subsidiary Over ICE Contract
Capgemini, a prominent French technology company, has decided to divest from its U.S. subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions. This move comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny regarding its relationship with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Background of the Decision
Capgemini was recently appointed as the lead contractor for a controversial ICE initiative focused on “skip-tracing” immigrants. This method, often utilized by debt collectors, aims to locate individuals who are difficult to find. In this case, ICE intends to track approximately 50,000 immigrants monthly using advanced technology and physical surveillance.
- Contract awarded in December 2025
- Potential contract value exceeds $1 billion
- Capgemini Government Solutions could earn up to $365 million over two years
Increasing Protests and Scrutiny
The decision to sever ties comes amid heightened anti-ICE sentiments, particularly after violent incidents involving ICE agents. Protests have emerged across the U.S. and even spread to Europe, with many tech workers urging their employers to end contracts with ICE.
French officials, including Minister of the Economy Roland Lescure, have also expressed concern about Capgemini’s contracts with the U.S. government. Last week, the company initiated a review of its contract with ICE following these developments.
Capgemini’s Statement and Future Actions
Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, indicated that the contract’s nature raised significant questions about the firm’s operations. The review concluded that existing legal restrictions prevented effective oversight of the subsidiary’s activities, resulting in the company’s decision to divest.
Geopolitical Context
This decision comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between France and the United States, exacerbated by the policies of the Trump administration. Many Europeans harbor resentment toward U.S. practices that they view as detrimental to their interests.
In recent years, protests have been organized against various American brands, reflecting a desire to reduce reliance on U.S. technology in France. French officials have urged the European Union to adopt a more assertive stance regarding challenges posed by U.S. economic policies.
As the situation evolves, the implications of Capgemini’s divestment from its U.S. subsidiary highlight the complex intersection between business operations, international relations, and ethical considerations in today’s global landscape.
