French technology giant Capgemini has announced plans to sell its US subsidiary Capgemini Government Solutions following mounting criticism over the unit’s work for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The decision comes after revelations that the subsidiary had been contracted to provide “skip tracing” services, used to locate individuals whose whereabouts are unknown, for ICE enforcement and removal operations.
Public records show the contract, signed on December 18, is valued at more than $4.8 million and runs until March 15. Capgemini Government Solutions holds 13 contracts with ICE.
In a statement, Capgemini said it had been unable to exercise “appropriate control” over certain aspects of the subsidiary’s operations to ensure alignment with the group’s values and objectives.
“The divestiture process of this business will be initiated immediately,” the company said.
Aiman Ezzat, Capgemini’s chief executive, said the company became aware of the nature of the ICE contract through public sources and acknowledged that the scope of the work raised concerns.
“The nature and scope of this work have raised questions compared to what we typically do as a business and technology firm,” Ezzat said in a LinkedIn post.
The contract sparked strong reactions among French lawmakers amid growing international scrutiny of ICE operations in the United States.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called on Capgemini to be fully transparent about its dealings with ICE, while left-wing MP Hadrien Clouet urged sanctions against French companies working with the agency.
“French private companies are collaborating with ICE. We do not accept this,” Clouet said.
Criticism of ICE has intensified following recent enforcement actions and public protests in several US cities. The agency has detained thousands since President Donald Trump returned to office, pledging to ramp up deportations.
Capgemini, founded in 1967, is one of France’s largest listed companies, employing more than 340,000 people worldwide and valued at approximately €22 billion.
