Democratic lawmakers are pushing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to sever its ties with a private company, GEO Group, which manages two migrant detention centers facing serious abuse allegations. On October 8, eight Congress members sent a letter to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), urging the termination of contracts for the Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center located in Kern County.
These legislators are alarmed by “disturbing” claims of mistreatment of detainees, advocating for their release instead of transfers to other facilities. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren voiced her concerns, stating, “It’s troubling to hear ongoing reports of abusive behavior toward detainees, especially when the GEO Group profits significantly from taxpayer funds.”
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The letter highlights that the abuse allegations have been corroborated by various federal and state reports. It emphasizes the need for detainees to be released on alternatives to detention rather than shuffled to another facility far from their support systems.
An ICE spokesperson responded by stating that the agency must detain certain noncitizens considered a risk to public safety while awaiting their immigration proceedings. They cautioned that closing facilities could distance detainees from their legal representatives and communities.
Recent Protests
Recent events have escalated tensions, with multiple hunger strikes taking place at ICE detention centers. In July, detainees launched labor strikes, followed by a hunger strike at the Golden State Annex that lasted 12 days, allegedly ending after guards threatened transfers to Texas.
In August, strikes continued with fluctuating participation, culminating in a joint hunger strike involving around 80 detainees on September 22-23. Detainees reported retaliatory measures, including solitary confinement and lockdowns after protests.
Another hunger strike began at Golden State Annex on October 8, where detainees protested poor living conditions, including lack of basic necessities like proper bedding and safe food.
Concerns Over Private Prisons
Lofgren criticized private prisons, arguing that the for-profit model leads to compromised care and excessive security for non-violent detainees. In 2023, GEO Group reported revenues of $2.41 billion with a profit of $113.8 million, raising questions about the ethics of profiting from detainment.
She emphasized the need for reform, stating that high-level security settings for mostly non-violent detainees represent a wasteful allocation of resources.
With a projected $2.0 billion budget for 34,000 ICE detention beds in fiscal year 2025, Lofgren advocates for more humane approaches that prioritize both fiscal responsibility and the dignity of detainees.
Advocating for Reform
Lofgren has called for comprehensive immigration reform, emphasizing that if ICE ends contracts with for-profit prisons, a thorough plan should be in place to ensure capable and humane treatment for detainees. “The entire immigration system requires reform,” she remarked, underscoring the need for a more effective approach.
She reiterated the obligation of the government to protect the rights of individuals detained and suggested that high-risk detainees should be managed by nonprofit organizations instead of profit-driven facilities.
Impact on Voter Sentiment
Immigration remains a pivotal issue in upcoming elections, with polls indicating that voters trust former President Donald Trump more than Vice President Kamala Harris on this topic. An August poll showed a significant preference for Trump among those who view immigration as vital, with 83 percent indicating support for him compared to 32 percent for Harris.
Harris has vowed to revive a bipartisan border security bill previously defeated by GOP opposition. Meanwhile, Trump has promised to initiate a major mass deportation effort if reelected.