French tech company Capgemini to sell US unit linked to ICE

French technology company Capgemini has announced its decision to sell its U.S. subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, which has been linked to providing services to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This decision comes amid scrutiny and backlash from French lawmakers regarding a multimillion-dollar contract that the subsidiary holds with ICE, which involves "skip tracing" services used to locate and expel migrants. The contract has raised ethical concerns in France, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding ICE's practices, including a fatal incident involving ICE agents in Minnesota. Capgemini stated that the divestment process would be initiated immediately but did not clarify whether the sale was directly related to the contract with ICE. The company cited "legal constraints" that hindered its ability to oversee the subsidiary's operations, suggesting that the sale was the only viable option. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and other lawmakers have demanded transparency regarding the contract, reflecting a growing concern over corporate involvement in government activities, especially those related to immigration enforcement. The implications of Capgemini's decision may extend beyond the company itself, potentially influencing other firms to reevaluate their contracts with government entities that face public criticism. This situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding corporate responsibility and ethical governance, particularly as public awareness of immigration issues continues to rise. The case serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between business operations and societal values, ensuring that discussions about corporate ethics and social accountability remain relevant.