French Tech Giant Exits $365M ICE Contract After Protests

A major European tech company just walked away from a massive government contract because people spoke up about their values.

French tech giant Capgemini announced Sunday it will immediately divest from its American subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, ending the company's involvement in a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement surveillance program. The contract could have been worth $365 million over two years.

The ICE program planned to use "skip-tracing" technology typically used by debt collectors to locate 50,000 immigrants monthly. It involved tracking people through all available technology systems, then confirming locations through physical surveillance and photography.

After news of the contract broke, French union workers, government officials, and protesters demanded Capgemini reconsider. French Economy Minister Roland Lescure publicly called for a contract review. Hundreds of tech workers across companies signed letters asking employers to cancel ICE contracts.

The company's board spent a week reviewing the deal. They concluded the legal restrictions around classified federal work prevented them from exercising appropriate control over operations to ensure alignment with company values.

CEO Aiman Ezzat acknowledged the contract raised questions compared to what the company typically does as a business and technology firm. While Capgemini Government Solutions had worked with the Department of Homeland Security for over 15 years, this particular program crossed a line for the parent company.

The Ripple Effect

The decision demonstrates how organized citizen action can influence corporate behavior on a global scale. French workers and officials successfully pressured a multinational corporation to prioritize values over a nine-figure payday.

The movement extended beyond France. Italian protesters organized demonstrations during the Winter Olympics in Milan. Tech workers across America coordinated to demand their employers refuse similar contracts.

This wave of ethical business pressure comes as Europeans increasingly question relationships with companies involved in controversial U.S. government programs. The Capgemini decision may encourage other international firms to more carefully scrutinize their American government contracts.

When enough people make their voices heard, even the biggest companies listen.