Thermo Fisher Scientific: Difference between revisions

(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)

Line 1:

{{Company Page

|name=Thermo Fisher Scientific

|industry=Life sciences; laboratory equipment and consumables; diagnostics; biotechnology

|image=ThermoFisherScientific.png

|country=United States

|founded=2006

|headquarters=Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

|status=Active

|boycott_reason=Documented provision of Rapid DNA equipment and related products/services used by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration enforcement components (including ICE and CBP) for DNA-based screening and testing programs impacting migrants and detained people.

|verification=Verified

}}

== Overview ==

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a United States–based life sciences and laboratory products company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, formed through the 2006 merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific.<ref name="Wikipedia_TFS">[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific | Wikipedia]</ref><ref name="TFS_HQ">[[https://corporate.thermofisher.com/content/tfcorpsite/us/en/index/contact-us.html](https://corporate.thermofisher.com/content/tfcorpsite/us/en/index/contact-us.html) Contact Us (Headquarters: Waltham, MA) | Thermo Fisher Scientific]</ref> Public reporting and oversight documentation describe DHS use of rapid DNA testing within immigration enforcement contexts, and Thermo Fisher products are referenced as part of that ecosystem, including Rapid DNA instrumentation used in programs operating at/near the U.S.–Mexico border and related DHS operations.<ref name="AFSC_TFS">[[https://investigate.afsc.org/company/thermo-fisher-scientific](https://investigate.afsc.org/company/thermo-fisher-scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc | AFSC Investigate]</ref>

== Boycott ==

Thermo Fisher Scientific is listed for boycott due to documented ties to DHS immigration enforcement DNA testing programs and the provision of DNA-related equipment and/or products used in those programs.

Public advocacy research describes Thermo Fisher as a major provider of DNA testing equipment and related products used by U.S. immigration authorities, including Rapid DNA testing of migrant families at the U.S.–Mexico border and broader DNA-collection/testing infrastructure tied to DHS components (including ICE and CBP).<ref name="AFSC_TFS" />

DHS oversight reporting has described DHS rapid DNA testing programs in which CBP implemented a Rapid DNA testing program that replaced an ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) pilot program, indicating operational continuity of rapid DNA testing within DHS immigration enforcement workflows.<ref name="DHSOIG_22_27">[[https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-02/OIG-22-27-Feb22.pdf](https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-02/OIG-22-27-Feb22.pdf) OIG-22-27: CBP Officials Implemented Rapid DNA Testing to ... | DHS Office of Inspector General] (Feb. 8, 2022)</ref> DHS oversight reporting has also documented procurement activity in which ICE executed a single-award contract (in collaboration with CBP) to procure rapid DNA instruments and related items, reflecting continued DHS investment in rapid DNA capacity.<ref name="DHSOIG_25_31">[[https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-07/OIG-25-31-Jul25.pdf](https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-07/OIG-25-31-Jul25.pdf) OIG-25-31: CBP's Lack of Familial DNA Testing Limits ... | DHS Office of Inspector General] (Jul. 17, 2025)</ref>

ICE has also publicly announced continued contracting for rapid DNA testing at the southwest border as part of efforts described as identifying “fraudulent” familial claims, underscoring the operational role of rapid DNA within ICE programs affecting families and migrants.<ref name="ICE_RapidDNA_Contract_2025">[[https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-awards-new-contract-rapid-dna-testing-southwest-border-expands-pilot-program](https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-awards-new-contract-rapid-dna-testing-southwest-border-expands-pilot-program) ICE awards new contract for rapid DNA testing at southwest border (archived) | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] (Jan. 24, 2025)</ref>

In addition, federal procurement data shows DHS awards to Thermo Fisher-linked entities (including Thermo Scientific-branded entities) for equipment and supplies, further documenting commercial relationships with DHS components.<ref name="USASpending_Thermo_DHS_2025">[[https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70CMSD25FR0000035_7012_GS07F6099R_4730](https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70CMSD25FR0000035_7012_GS07F6099R_4730) CONTRACT to THERMO SCIENTIFIC PORTABLE ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS INC. | USAspending.gov]</ref>

== Background ==

ICE and CBP rely on contractors and vendors for tools and services used in enforcement, screening, and investigative functions. DNA testing and rapid DNA programs can increase identification, screening, and enforcement capacity and may contribute to outcomes including family separation risk, prosecution threats, and broader surveillance/biometric data collection in immigration enforcement systems.<ref name="AFSC_TFS" /> Because these programs can materially affect migrant communities, ICE List documents and, where applicable, boycotts companies whose products or services support DHS immigration enforcement DNA-testing capabilities.

== Sources ==

== Sources == <references />

[[Category:Boycott]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Company Page
 |name=Thermo Fisher Scientific
+|industry=Life sciences; laboratory equipment and consumables; diagnostics; biotechnology
+|image=ThermoFisherScientific.png
+|country=United States
+|founded=2006
+|headquarters=Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
 |status=Active
+|boycott_reason=Documented provision of Rapid DNA equipment and related products/services used by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration enforcement components (including ICE and CBP) for DNA-based screening and testing programs impacting migrants and detained people.
+|verification=Verified
 }}
 == Overview ==
+Thermo Fisher Scientific is a United States–based life sciences and laboratory products company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, formed through the 2006 merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific.<ref name="Wikipedia_TFS">[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific | Wikipedia]</ref><ref name="TFS_HQ">[[https://corporate.thermofisher.com/content/tfcorpsite/us/en/index/contact-us.html](https://corporate.thermofisher.com/content/tfcorpsite/us/en/index/contact-us.html) Contact Us (Headquarters: Waltham, MA) | Thermo Fisher Scientific]</ref> Public reporting and oversight documentation describe DHS use of rapid DNA testing within immigration enforcement contexts, and Thermo Fisher products are referenced as part of that ecosystem, including Rapid DNA instrumentation used in programs operating at/near the U.S.–Mexico border and related DHS operations.<ref name="AFSC_TFS">[[https://investigate.afsc.org/company/thermo-fisher-scientific](https://investigate.afsc.org/company/thermo-fisher-scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc | AFSC Investigate]</ref>
 == Boycott ==
+Thermo Fisher Scientific is listed for boycott due to documented ties to DHS immigration enforcement DNA testing programs and the provision of DNA-related equipment and/or products used in those programs.
+Public advocacy research describes Thermo Fisher as a major provider of DNA testing equipment and related products used by U.S. immigration authorities, including Rapid DNA testing of migrant families at the U.S.–Mexico border and broader DNA-collection/testing infrastructure tied to DHS components (including ICE and CBP).<ref name="AFSC_TFS" />
+DHS oversight reporting has described DHS rapid DNA testing programs in which CBP implemented a Rapid DNA testing program that replaced an ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) pilot program, indicating operational continuity of rapid DNA testing within DHS immigration enforcement workflows.<ref name="DHSOIG_22_27">[[https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-02/OIG-22-27-Feb22.pdf](https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2022-02/OIG-22-27-Feb22.pdf) OIG-22-27: CBP Officials Implemented Rapid DNA Testing to ... | DHS Office of Inspector General] (Feb. 8, 2022)</ref> DHS oversight reporting has also documented procurement activity in which ICE executed a single-award contract (in collaboration with CBP) to procure rapid DNA instruments and related items, reflecting continued DHS investment in rapid DNA capacity.<ref name="DHSOIG_25_31">[[https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-07/OIG-25-31-Jul25.pdf](https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2025-07/OIG-25-31-Jul25.pdf) OIG-25-31: CBP's Lack of Familial DNA Testing Limits ... | DHS Office of Inspector General] (Jul. 17, 2025)</ref>
+ICE has also publicly announced continued contracting for rapid DNA testing at the southwest border as part of efforts described as identifying “fraudulent” familial claims, underscoring the operational role of rapid DNA within ICE programs affecting families and migrants.<ref name="ICE_RapidDNA_Contract_2025">[[https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-awards-new-contract-rapid-dna-testing-southwest-border-expands-pilot-program](https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-awards-new-contract-rapid-dna-testing-southwest-border-expands-pilot-program) ICE awards new contract for rapid DNA testing at southwest border (archived) | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] (Jan. 24, 2025)</ref>
+In addition, federal procurement data shows DHS awards to Thermo Fisher-linked entities (including Thermo Scientific-branded entities) for equipment and supplies, further documenting commercial relationships with DHS components.<ref name="USASpending_Thermo_DHS_2025">[[https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70CMSD25FR0000035_7012_GS07F6099R_4730](https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70CMSD25FR0000035_7012_GS07F6099R_4730) CONTRACT to THERMO SCIENTIFIC PORTABLE ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS INC. | USAspending.gov]</ref>
 == Background ==
+ICE and CBP rely on contractors and vendors for tools and services used in enforcement, screening, and investigative functions. DNA testing and rapid DNA programs can increase identification, screening, and enforcement capacity and may contribute to outcomes including family separation risk, prosecution threats, and broader surveillance/biometric data collection in immigration enforcement systems.<ref name="AFSC_TFS" /> Because these programs can materially affect migrant communities, ICE List documents and, where applicable, boycotts companies whose products or services support DHS immigration enforcement DNA-testing capabilities.
-== Sources ==
+== Sources == <references />
 [[Category:Boycott]]