Capgemini Divests US Subsidiary Amidst Controversy Over ICE Contract
French tech giant Capgemini announced it would sell its US subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, following public and political backlash over its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide "skip tracing services." The decision, reported by multiple news sources including BBC Business, came after increased scrutiny of ICE's practices, particularly following the fatal shootings of two US citizens by immigration agents in January 2026.
The controversy surrounding ICE intensified after a video surfaced on January 29, 2026, showing Alex Pretti, a US citizen, kicking out the taillight of an ICE vehicle, 11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 25, 2026. According to Vox, right-wing influencers attempted to use the video to justify the shooting. Flowers and candles marked a memorial to Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Capgemini stated that it could not ensure alignment with its objectives regarding the subsidiary's operations, prompting the divestiture process. The company's decision reflects growing concerns over the ethical implications of providing technological support to ICE, especially in light of recent events and increased political polarization.
The political climate in the United States has been particularly tense, with the rise of figures like Charlie Kirk, the late right-wing activist who founded Turning Point USA. Kirk, who was fatally shot on a Utah college campus in September 2025, aimed to reach college-aged students he believed were being indoctrinated by liberal universities, according to Vox. His death sparked an outpouring of grief among conservatives and prompted President Donald Trump to threaten a crackdown on the radical left.
The sale of Capgemini Government Solutions highlights the increasing pressure on companies to align their business practices with social and political values. The divestiture process is currently underway, with Capgemini seeking a buyer for the subsidiary. The future operations of Capgemini Government Solutions and its role in supporting ICE remain uncertain.
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