After days of public backlash, Jim Pattison Developments called off the planned sale of a Virginia warehouse for use by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday—as the company was facing a protest alongside Canadian tech company Hootsuite.
More than 100 people gathered outside Hootsuite’s headquarters in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood for a demonstration that became part protest, part celebration in light of the cancelled Pattison sale.
Speakers said public pressure was the driving force of change—but many emphasized there’s more to be done, pointing to Hootsuite’s ongoing relationship with ICE.
“I am not a bystander and that is why I am here today” one protester said.
Hootsuite has come under fire after a worker raised concerns online about the company’s three‑year contract with ICE. In a statement earlier this week, Hootsuite CEO Irina Novoselsky said the company’s work with ICE “does not include tracking or surveillance of individuals.”
One attendee at Friday’s protest said the company’s deal undermines its reputation in the tech sector: “As a Canadian success story, it’s abhorrent that they’re upholding what’s going on in the states by working with ICE.”
Vancouver East NDP MP Jenny Kwan said Canadians were rightfully disturbed to learn of both deals.
“It was very disappointing and shocking, frankly, to a lot of Canadians to learn that Canadian businesses are engaging in facilitating the operation of ICE,” she said.
Asked whether she would support a boycott of the company, Kwan responded: “I would be on board.”
Earlier in the day, Jim Pattison Developments issued a brief statement announcing plans to sell a massive warehouse in Ashland, Va., to the U.S. government for use as an ICE processing facility would “not be proceeding.”
The decision following mounting public pressure, including calls for boycotts of Pattison‑owned grocery stores.
Emily Lowen, leader of the B.C. Green Party, said the turnaround shows public action can be effective.
“It shows that working people can stand against the billionaire class and force their hands on moral issues like this one,” said Lowen
Lowen added she hopes to see continuing pressure on Pattison to disclose any “ties to the Trump administration, either on properties or other contracts,” and commit to avoiding “any future contracts or relationships with ICE.”
Hootsuite declined an interview with CTV News Friday but said the company respects “everyone’s right to express their views peacefully and safely.”
