Thermo Fisher Scientific
|
Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Industry | Life sciences; laboratory equipment and consumables; diagnostics; biotechnology |
| Country | United States |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Waltham, Massachusetts, United States |
| Parent company | |
| Status | Active |
| 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.[1][2] 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.[3]
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).[3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
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.[6]
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.[7]
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.[3] 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 ==
- ↑ [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific | Wikipedia]
- ↑ [[2](https://corporate.thermofisher.com/content/tfcorpsite/us/en/index/contact-us.html) Contact Us (Headquarters: Waltham, MA) | Thermo Fisher Scientific]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 [[3](https://investigate.afsc.org/company/thermo-fisher-scientific) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc | AFSC Investigate]
- ↑ [[4](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)
- ↑ [[5](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)
- ↑ [[6](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)
- ↑ [[7](https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70CMSD25FR0000035_7012_GS07F6099R_4730) CONTRACT to THERMO SCIENTIFIC PORTABLE ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS INC. | USAspending.gov]