Reading time: 2 min
French IT giant Capgemini announced Sunday it will sell its US subsidiary that provides services to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following days of international controversy over the federal agency’s enforcement methods.
The decision comes after revelations by NGO Observatoire des Multinationales exposed a contract between Capgemini Government Solutions and ICE to identify foreign nationals on US soil and track their movements. The subsidiary represents just 0.4% of Capgemini’s estimated worldwide sales for 2025 and less than 2% of its US operations.
Corporate Control Issues Drive Exit
Capgemini cited operational control concerns as the primary reason for the divestiture. The company stated that “usual legal constraints imposed in the United States on contracting with federal entities conducting classified activities did not allow the Group to exercise appropriate control over certain aspects of this subsidiary’s operations.”
The sale process will begin immediately, according to the company’s press release. Capgemini operates in approximately 50 countries and ranks among France’s largest publicly traded companies.
Political and Union Pressure Mounts
The controversy sparked significant political attention in France, with members of parliament and Finance Minister Roland Lescure demanding transparency about the company’s US activities. The CGT Capgemini union launched an online petition calling for an end to collaboration with the US government, accusing the company of facilitating “the tracking down, arrest, kidnapping and deportation of tens of thousands of people.”
Recent ICE operations in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, intensifying criticism of the agency’s methods.
European Opposition Spreads
Anti-ICE demonstrations have occurred across France and Italy, where criticism has emerged over the announced presence of US federal agents at upcoming Winter Olympics. While these agents would serve in an “advisory” role without planned patrols, their presence has drawn strong opposition.
What’s Next
Capgemini’s swift decision to divest reflects the mounting pressure from multiple stakeholders and the company’s inability to maintain operational oversight of classified government contracts. The sale will allow the French tech giant to distance itself from controversial US immigration enforcement activities while maintaining its broader American operations.
Sources: The Guardian, Euronews, France24
