French IT giant Capgemini is facing intense scrutiny over its involvement in a lucrative contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency at the center of recent killings and human rights abuses on the US-Mexico border.
The contract, worth $4.8 million, was awarded to Capgemini Government Solutions, a subsidiary set up specifically for classified US government work, in December 2025. The deal is meant to provide a tool to identify and track foreigners on US soil, raising concerns among critics who say it could be used to fuel further crackdowns on migrants.
Capgemini's executives claim that the contract was signed by an arm's-length subsidiary with limited oversight from HQ in France, but the company remains under fire for its role in the project. An internal message sent to staff revealed that the contract is "subject to legal challenge" and that a review process has been launched within the US arm.
The backlash comes as protests against ICE have swept across the United States, with two recent killings of migrants by border agents sparking widespread outrage. Capgemini's involvement in the contract has also drawn criticism from unions, who argue that the company is effectively collaborating with an agency accused of perpetuating human rights abuses.
"This is a huge shock for employees," said CFDT union delegate Frédéric Boloré, adding that Capgemini had never faced a crisis situation like this before. The company's shares have taken a hit, falling 2.8% to €127.85 ($152.70) by the end of trading in Paris.
Campaign groups and politicians are calling on the French government for transparency and accountability, with Economy Minister Roland Lescure stating that Capgemini should "be transparent about its contracts" and possibly question their validity. CGT union representatives have taken a stronger stance, labeling the contract as an "active accomplice to serious human rights violations".
Capgemini's CEO Aiman Ezzat has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the contract but argued that decision-making at the US subsidiary is separate from the rest of the group and that Capgemini cannot access classified information or contracts. However, critics argue that this separation does not address the fundamental issue of Capgemini's involvement with an agency accused of perpetuating harm.
The controversy highlights the complexities of global supply chains and the often opaque nature of government contracts. As protests against ICE continue to grow, it remains to be seen whether Capgemini will face further consequences for its role in the contract.
The contract, worth $4.8 million, was awarded to Capgemini Government Solutions, a subsidiary set up specifically for classified US government work, in December 2025. The deal is meant to provide a tool to identify and track foreigners on US soil, raising concerns among critics who say it could be used to fuel further crackdowns on migrants.
Capgemini's executives claim that the contract was signed by an arm's-length subsidiary with limited oversight from HQ in France, but the company remains under fire for its role in the project. An internal message sent to staff revealed that the contract is "subject to legal challenge" and that a review process has been launched within the US arm.
The backlash comes as protests against ICE have swept across the United States, with two recent killings of migrants by border agents sparking widespread outrage. Capgemini's involvement in the contract has also drawn criticism from unions, who argue that the company is effectively collaborating with an agency accused of perpetuating human rights abuses.
"This is a huge shock for employees," said CFDT union delegate Frédéric Boloré, adding that Capgemini had never faced a crisis situation like this before. The company's shares have taken a hit, falling 2.8% to €127.85 ($152.70) by the end of trading in Paris.
Campaign groups and politicians are calling on the French government for transparency and accountability, with Economy Minister Roland Lescure stating that Capgemini should "be transparent about its contracts" and possibly question their validity. CGT union representatives have taken a stronger stance, labeling the contract as an "active accomplice to serious human rights violations".
Capgemini's CEO Aiman Ezzat has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the contract but argued that decision-making at the US subsidiary is separate from the rest of the group and that Capgemini cannot access classified information or contracts. However, critics argue that this separation does not address the fundamental issue of Capgemini's involvement with an agency accused of perpetuating harm.
The controversy highlights the complexities of global supply chains and the often opaque nature of government contracts. As protests against ICE continue to grow, it remains to be seen whether Capgemini will face further consequences for its role in the contract.
. The fact that the company claims the contract was signed by an arm's-length subsidiary with limited oversight from HQ in France doesn't necessarily make me feel better about it, though.
. I think Capgemini needs to do more than just acknowledge concerns - they need to take concrete steps to address them and ensure that their work isn't contributing to human rights abuses.
. I'm watching this situation closely, and I'll be interested to see how Capgemini responds to the backlash and whether they'll face any further consequences 
.
Capgemini's involvement in this whole ICE thing is a major red flag. I would wanna know more about how transparent they're gonna be about the contract and whether their US arm really has that much autonomy from HQ in France... it just doesn't sit right with me 
.
I'm literally worried about my kid growing up in a world where companies are so quick to just partner with organizations that have such a questionable track record... I mean, what's next? 
I know it sounds dramatic but the way this contract went down is sketchy at best. We need to hold companies like Capgemini accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to human rights violations. 
it's not like they're saying anything new here, the fact is we already know what's going on at ice. what i'm trying to say is why should capgemini be getting all the scrutiny when everyone else is getting away with stuff? 
... and ppl r freaking out cuz it could be used 2 identify & track foreigners 
! But here's the thing, Capgemini's all like "oh no we didn't know" 
... but like, how can u not know when u're involved in a project that sounds suspiciously authoritarian? 
! Like, what's goin on w these ppl? Can't we just have a peaceful coexistence? 
... and now the French gov is gettin all involved 
, callin out 4 transparency & accountability.