The chief executive of the Vancouver-based technology firm Hootsuite is addressing criticism regarding a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which manages Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to a U.S. government procurement site, Hootsuite will supply social media services to the DHS, with the arrangement commencing in August 2024.

The deal involving Homeland Security and New York's Seneca Strategic Partners is aimed at providing "social media management platform Hootsuite and support services," valued at up to $2.8 million U.S., per the procurement platform.

The site does not clarify the connection between Hootsuite and Seneca, which identifies itself as a federal contracting entity fully owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians.

A demonstration outside Hootsuite’s Vancouver office is scheduled for Friday by a group named Democracy Rising, which is calling on Hootsuite to "terminate its agreements and issue a public apology."

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ICE faces significant backlash for its conduct during a recent immigration sweep in Minnesota, particularly due to the deaths of two U.S. citizens in shootings involving federal agents, which has sparked considerable outrage.

Hootsuite CEO Irina Novoselsky stated on Wednesday that "what is occurring right now is unjust."

She remarked that the loss of life and the anxiety experienced in communities due to recent enforcement measures are "devastating."

"Beyond the emotional toll of processing the current circumstances on a personal level, we have also sensed the apprehension expressed about Hootsuite’s collaboration with ICE’s public affairs division," Novoselsky noted.

Protesters and police clash outside hotel accommodating ICE agents.

Novoselsky explained that Hootsuite has partnered with governmental organizations across various countries and administrations for over 15 years, including the U.S. government.

"Our engagement with ICE does not involve monitoring or surveillance of individuals utilizing our tools. Any assertion to the contrary is untrue and against our service agreements, which we rigorously uphold," she stated.

Novoselsky emphasized that Hootsuite's technology "renders public dialogue observable at a large scale" and "assists organizations in comprehending what people are articulating through unbiased, genuine social data."

Her remarks do not pledge to terminate the contract, asserting that the company's obligation is towards its clients and standards that showcase how its technology is utilized.

"We collaborate with a diverse assortment of organizations because paying attention to genuine discussions yields insights that prompt improved decisions and accountability, without endorsing specific actions or policies," the statement continued.

A release issued by the Department of Homeland Security last year indicates that the department would exclusively utilize Hootsuite to oversee its social media platforms to disseminate information to the public "while fostering transparency and accountability" for individuals seeking information from the department.

Hootsuite was established in 2008 and employs approximately 1,000 individuals worldwide.

In 2020, the then-CEO Tom Keiser announced the cancellation of a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following a "broad emotional and passionate" response from employees.

He did not detail the reasons behind staff concerns but stated that the matter had caused divisiveness within the company and was not the type of organization he wished to oversee, leading to the decision reversal.

In an unrelated press conference on Tuesday, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma encouraged Canadian companies to reflect on their roles when engaging in business with ICE.

This statement follows another B.C. company, Jim Pattison Developments, which is in the process of selling one of its warehouses in Hanover, Va., to ICE.

B.C. attorney general urges businesses to 'consider their role' in supporting ICE.

In a statement, a representative for Jim Pattison Developments mentioned that the property was publicly listed for sale after "operating requirements changed," and an offer was accepted from a U.S. government contractor.

"Some time later, we became aware of the final owner and intended use of the building," the representative noted. "This transaction remains subject to specific approvals and closing conditions."

B.C. firm criticized for potential business deal with ICE.