French IT giant Capgemini is under intense fire after it was revealed that its US subsidiary, CGS, has a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) worth over $365 million. The contract, which was first made public last week, involves "skip tracing" services used by ICE to track down individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. This form of data-driven locating and tracking is a contentious issue, as it raises concerns about the use of private contractors to locate and deport migrants.
The contract between CGS and ICE emerged after an independent media outlet reported that the US subsidiary had been awarded several lucrative contracts with the agency over the years. According to government spending records, 65% of the contracts awarded to Capgemini Government Solutions were with ICE. This has led some to describe CGS as a "bounty hunter" firm, paid to locate and track immigrants.
The contract is highly lucrative, with companies like CGS expected to earn tens of millions of dollars from the programme. In fact, at least 10 companies have already earned over $1 million each, with one company expected to earn well over $1 billion from the programme through 2027.
Capgemini's CEO has stated that senior management was only recently made aware of the contract and that it is "not currently being executed". However, this has done little to calm concerns about the company's role in facilitating ICE's deportation efforts. The French government has also weighed in, with Finance Minister Roland Lescure urging full transparency from Capgemini.
The relationship between CGS and ICE has a long history, dating back nearly two decades. In fact, the contracts have been so lucrative that many employees have moved between the two organizations, ensuring continuity and deep institutional knowledge.
The dependence on CGS's services is deeply entrenched in ICE operations, with the company providing essential support for detention capacity management, deportation logistics, and individual tracking. This has led some to warn that if Capgemini were to terminate its contract with ICE, the agency would be "paralysed".
As pressure mounts from unions, politicians, and parts of the French government, Capgemini is scheduled to hold an extraordinary board meeting this weekend in Paris. The outcome could set a precedent for how European firms engage with US security agencies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
The contract has also raised questions about human rights and the use of private contractors in immigration enforcement. Critics argue that such contracts run counter to companies' stated values and raise serious ethical concerns. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Capgemini's role in facilitating ICE's deportation efforts will be subject to intense scrutiny for months to come.
The contract between CGS and ICE emerged after an independent media outlet reported that the US subsidiary had been awarded several lucrative contracts with the agency over the years. According to government spending records, 65% of the contracts awarded to Capgemini Government Solutions were with ICE. This has led some to describe CGS as a "bounty hunter" firm, paid to locate and track immigrants.
The contract is highly lucrative, with companies like CGS expected to earn tens of millions of dollars from the programme. In fact, at least 10 companies have already earned over $1 million each, with one company expected to earn well over $1 billion from the programme through 2027.
Capgemini's CEO has stated that senior management was only recently made aware of the contract and that it is "not currently being executed". However, this has done little to calm concerns about the company's role in facilitating ICE's deportation efforts. The French government has also weighed in, with Finance Minister Roland Lescure urging full transparency from Capgemini.
The relationship between CGS and ICE has a long history, dating back nearly two decades. In fact, the contracts have been so lucrative that many employees have moved between the two organizations, ensuring continuity and deep institutional knowledge.
The dependence on CGS's services is deeply entrenched in ICE operations, with the company providing essential support for detention capacity management, deportation logistics, and individual tracking. This has led some to warn that if Capgemini were to terminate its contract with ICE, the agency would be "paralysed".
As pressure mounts from unions, politicians, and parts of the French government, Capgemini is scheduled to hold an extraordinary board meeting this weekend in Paris. The outcome could set a precedent for how European firms engage with US security agencies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
The contract has also raised questions about human rights and the use of private contractors in immigration enforcement. Critics argue that such contracts run counter to companies' stated values and raise serious ethical concerns. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Capgemini's role in facilitating ICE's deportation efforts will be subject to intense scrutiny for months to come.