Key facts
- Thomson Reuters shareholders will vote on a resolution regarding contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- The resolution, filed by a British Columbia government workers union, seeks a review of human rights implications.
- Contracts include providing license plate reader data and risk mitigation services to DHS/ICE.
- Thomson Reuters disputes claims of product misuse and states it has safeguards and conducts human rights assessments.
- A former employee is suing Thomson Reuters, alleging wrongful termination for questioning work with immigration authorities.
Thomson Reuters is set to face a shareholder vote on Wednesday regarding its contracts with U.S. government agencies, particularly those related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The resolution, initiated by a British Columbia government workers union, calls for an examination of the human rights implications stemming from the company's services provided to agencies like ICE.
According to usaspending.gov, Thomson Reuters has secured contracts including one for $22.8 million to provide license plate reader data to ICE, which concluded in May. Other contracts include up to $4.6 million for "risk mitigation services" through 2028 and up to $3.6 million for a "maritime analysis tool" through 2027, all awarded to Thomson Reuters Special Services (TRSS).
A spokesperson for Thomson Reuters stated that the company takes the legality and legitimacy of its products seriously, emphasizing that they are provided under strict contractual terms and governed by safeguards to monitor their use. The company also asserted that allegations of misuse are factually baseless and that it acts promptly when potential misuse is identified.
The resolution's proponents claim Thomson Reuters' products are integral to ICE's operations in tracking and detaining immigrants. However, the company opposes the proposal, citing its existing human rights assessments and adherence to U.N. standards. It also highlighted that its products aid investigations into national security and public safety matters.
Adding to the controversy, a former Thomson Reuters employee, Billie Little, has sued the company for wrongful termination, alleging she was fired for questioning its work with immigration authorities and for leading a group called the “Committee to Restore Trust.” Thomson Reuters disputes these allegations and intends to defend the case vigorously.
Top proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, have recommended that shareholders vote against the resolution, with ISS noting that additional disclosure may not offer incremental benefits.