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How Foreign Firms Fuel ICE Operations
Transnational supply chains enable U.S. immigration enforcement despite public scrutiny
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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A new investigation reveals how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relies on a global network of contractors and foreign suppliers to carry out its operations, from armored vehicles to deportation flights. This distributed logistical system fragments accountability and enables ICE's coercive capacity, even as foreign firms and governments face public pressure to constrain their involvement.
Why it matters
ICE's outsourcing of key operational capabilities to foreign firms obscures the true scale and nature of U.S. immigration enforcement, which extends beyond domestic borders. By pressuring these international companies, civil society and foreign governments may be able to materially constrain ICE's activities.
The details
The investigation found that ICE has awarded contracts to several foreign firms, including a Canadian manufacturer of armored personnel carriers, a French IT company providing data services, and Irish aircraft leasing firms that supply planes for deportation flights. While these firms may not explicitly endorse U.S. immigration policies, their role in ICE's supply chain enables the agency's controversial enforcement actions. This fragmented, cross-border system makes it difficult to hold any single entity accountable, as responsibility is spread across jurisdictions and regulatory regimes.
- In November 2025, ICE placed a rush order for 20 bulletproof personnel carriers from the Canadian manufacturer Roshel.
- In December 2025, The Independent reported on the Roshel contract, prompting ICE to defend the purchase as falling under 'Buy American' provisions.
- Earlier in 2025, media scrutiny over Capgemini's data services contract with ICE led the French IT firm to announce it would sell its U.S. subsidiary.
The players
Roshel
A Canadian manufacturer of armored personnel carriers that received a multi-million dollar rush order from ICE in 2025.
GardaWorld
A Canadian private security firm with a U.S. subsidiary that has staffed ICE detention facilities, including the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' center.
Capgemini
A French IT giant whose U.S. subsidiary held a contract with ICE to provide 'skip tracing' data services, leading to public backlash and the company's announcement to sell the subsidiary.
Genesis
An Irish aircraft leasing firm identified as leasing planes to U.S. charter airlines contracted by ICE to operate deportation flights.
AerCap
Another Irish aircraft leasing firm that has leased planes used in ICE deportation operations.
What’s next
Canadian Member of Parliament Heather McPherson has published a letter urging the federal government to impose sanctions, export bans, and cancel subsidies to constrain Canadian companies' ability to contract with ICE.
The takeaway
The reliance of ICE on a global network of foreign suppliers and contractors obscures the true scale and nature of U.S. immigration enforcement. By pressuring these international firms, civil society and foreign governments may be able to materially constrain ICE's controversial activities.
