Capgemini sells US unit criticised over ICE contract

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Published: 2026-09-12T18:04:26.315Z • Permanent link

Capgemini Government Solutions, a subsidiary of the French multinational consulting firm Capgemini, is selling its US unit, sparking controversy over a long-standing contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The deal, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars, marks a significant shift for the company as it seeks to focus on higher-growth areas. The US unit, which provides technology solutions to government agencies, was a key part of Capgemini's strategy to expand its presence in the Americas.

Formerly known as Capgemini Government Solutions, the US unit was responsible for developing and implementing IT systems for various government agencies, including ICE. The company's work with ICE was widely criticized by civil rights groups, who argued that the agency's use of technology to track and deport immigrants was inhumane and ineffective. In 2020, the US government awarded Capgemini a contract worth up to $600 million to develop a new immigration processing system for ICE. The contract was seen as a major victory for the company, but it also drew intense scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Capgemini's decision to sell its US unit comes as the company faces increased pressure to divest its business operations in the US. The French government has been pushing for Capgemini to sell its American assets, citing concerns over the company's cultural fit with the US market. The sale of the US unit is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the company planning to retain its global IT services business.

The sale of Capgemini's US unit marks a significant development in the world of data sources, with far-reaching implications for companies that rely on the firm's technology solutions. Research communities that focus on immigration policy and technology will need to reassess their relationships with Capgemini, as the company's expertise in this area is likely to be transferred to other firms. The sale also raises concerns about the potential for ICE to acquire similar technology solutions from other companies, potentially exacerbating the agency's use of technology to track and deport immigrants.

The implications of the sale extend beyond the data sources domain, with potential impacts on markets and policy environments. The use of technology to track and deport immigrants is a contentious issue, with many lawmakers and advocacy groups calling for greater transparency and oversight of such practices. The sale of Capgemini's US unit may embolden ICE to continue using technology in this way, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and calls for reform.

Capgemini's decision to sell its US unit is part of a larger trend in the technology sector, where companies are increasingly prioritizing high-growth areas over established markets. This shift is driven in part by the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, which are seen as key drivers of innovation and growth. However, the sale of Capgemini's US unit also reflects a more nuanced reality, where companies are increasingly forced to confront the cultural and regulatory challenges of operating in the US.