The chief executive officer of Hootsuite, a technology company based in Vancouver, is addressing criticism regarding a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Public records on a U.S. government procurement website reveal that Hootsuite is supplying social media services to the DHS under a contract that commenced in August 2024. The contract, valued at up to $2.8 million US, is between Homeland Security and New York-based Seneca Strategic Partners, aimed at providing “social media management platform Hootsuite and support services.”
Details on the procurement website do not clarify the connection between Hootsuite and Seneca, a federal government contracting business owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians. In response to the situation, a group called Democracy Rising plans to hold a protest outside Hootsuite’s headquarters in Vancouver on Friday, urging the company to terminate its contracts with DHS and issue a public apology.
ICE has faced significant backlash for its actions during a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, particularly following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in incidents involving federal agents.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hootsuite CEO Irina Novoselsky expressed concern over the unfolding events, emphasizing the tragic loss of life and the distress felt within communities due to recent enforcement actions. Novoselsky clarified that Hootsuite has collaborated with various government entities worldwide, including the U.S. government, for over 15 years. She emphasized that their engagement with ICE does not involve tracking or surveillance of individuals and refuted any claims suggesting otherwise.
Regarding the ongoing contract with ICE, Novoselsky highlighted that Hootsuite’s technology facilitates the monitoring of public conversations to derive insights for informed decision-making and accountability. The statement, however, did not confirm the termination of the contract, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its customers and maintaining standards for responsible technology utilization.
The article also notes that in 2020, Hootsuite ended a previous contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following internal concerns among staff. The decision was reversed by the then-CEO due to the divisive impact it had on the company.
Separately, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma has urged Canadian businesses to consider their role in supporting ICE operations, citing the example of Jim Pattison Developments, a company in the process of selling a property to ICE. The property sale is subject to approvals and closing conditions, with the company acknowledging awareness of the buyer’s identity and intended use post-transaction.
The evolving situation underscores the complex intersections between private businesses and government entities, prompting discussions and actions within both corporate and public spheres.