Hootsuite Secures Multi-Million Dollar Contract with U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Date: January 16, 2026
Source: BetaKit (Reported by Josh Scott & Sarah Rieger)
The Deal at a Glance
Vancouver-based Hootsuite has entered into a contract to provide social media monitoring and management technology to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This agreement, facilitated through third-party contractor Seneca Strategic Partners, specifically services U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Financial Scope: The contract has an estimated ceiling of $2.8 million USD by 2029. To date, $1.1 million has been committed, with over $454,000 already spent.
The Technology: CBP is gaining access to Hootsuite's support services and Talkwalker, an AI-powered social listening tool Hootsuite acquired in 2024.
A Reversal of Policy?
This development marks a stark contrast to Hootsuite’s stance in 2020. At that time, the company famously scrapped a three-year deal with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) following a massive internal and external outcry from employees and users.
Company Response: When asked about the current DHS partnership, a Hootsuite spokesperson stated, "Hootsuite does not comment on current, former, or potential customer, prospect, or partner relationships."
The Context of Enforcement
The contract comes at a volatile time for U.S. immigration agencies:
Increased Budgets: Under the current administration, ICE has received its largest budget and staffing levels in history.
Surveillance Tactics: Social media scanning has become a primary tool for targeting individuals for deportation.
Recent Controversy: DHS and CBP have faced heightened scrutiny following reports of violent enforcement tactics and the use of AI-generated imagery on social media to mock deportees.
Understanding the Agencies
The lines between these two DHS-controlled branches have increasingly blurred as they both operate within major U.S. cities.
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