In brief
Capgemini, facing backlash from French legislators and human rights activists, plans to sell its U.S. subsidiary after the company received backlash for aiding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in locating individuals. The outrage has intensified following two fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens shot by ICE agents, prompting Capgemini to rethink its involvement with the agency. The company stated it would initiate the divestiture process immediately.
French technology giant Capgemini has announced it will sell its U.S. subsidiary after its work locating people for immigration enforcement agency ICE sparked outrage.
Capgemini has come under pressure from French lawmakers due to a contract its subsidiary signed with ICE, against a backdrop of scrutiny over the agency's methods in Minnesota. The fatal shooting of U.S. citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis has led to widespread protests and an increased examination of the agency's actions.
Capgemini Government Solutions has been under a contract since December 18 to provide skip tracing services for enforcement and removal operations. Skip tracing involves locating individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. Capgemini is set to receive over $4.8 million for the services, one of 13 contracts held by the subsidiary with ICE.
The company remarked that it could not exercise adequate control over the subsidiary's operations to align with the group's objectives, stating the business divestiture process will begin immediately.
Criticism of ICE's practices has spiked in light of recent fatal encounters with the public. Capgemini's CEO Aiman Ezzat acknowledged the company's awareness regarding the ICE contract and recognized the need for transparency. French officials have called for further scrutiny and sanctions on firms collaborating with ICE.
Founded in 1967, Capgemini is among the largest IT services and consulting firms globally, boasting over 340,000 employees and a market valuation of €22 billion.
