French MPs demand explanation over tech firm’s contract to help ICE in US

French lawmakers have expressed outrage and demanded an explanation from Capgemini, a major French technology firm, regarding its multimillion-dollar contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The contract involves providing "skip tracing" services, which are used to locate and expel migrants. This revelation has raised significant concerns in France about the ethical implications of a French company assisting in U.S. immigration enforcement, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding ICE's practices. In response to the backlash, Capgemini announced its decision to sell its U.S. subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, which is linked to the contract with ICE. The company stated that the divestment process would be initiated immediately, although it did not clarify whether the sale was directly related to the contract with ICE. The decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of corporate involvement with government agencies, especially those involved in immigration enforcement. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and other lawmakers have called for transparency regarding the contract, particularly following a recent incident involving the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by ICE agents in Minnesota. This situation has intensified the debate over corporate responsibility and ethical governance in relation to immigration issues. The implications of Capgemini's decision to divest its U.S. subsidiary may extend beyond the company itself, potentially influencing other firms to reevaluate their contracts with government entities that face public criticism. As discussions about corporate ethics and social accountability continue to evolve, this case highlights the complex relationship between business operations and societal values.