Former US President Donald Trump is allegedly pushing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to renew and expand contracts with GEO Group, one of the largest private prison operators in the country. The move could be worth over $1.3 billion, sparking fresh controversy over the role of profit-driven incarceration in America’s immigration system.
Behind the $1.3 Billion Deal
According to sources, Trump has been privately advocating for ICE to secure long-term agreements with GEO Group, which already manages multiple detention facilities housing migrants. Critics argue that such deals prioritise corporate gains over humane treatment, while supporters claim private prisons offer cost-effective solutions for overcrowded detention centres.
Ethical and Political Backlash
The potential expansion has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers, who highlight GEO Group’s history of lawsuits over poor conditions and alleged abuses in its facilities. This development also reignites debates over Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including family separations and prolonged detentions.
What’s Next for Immigration Detention?
With the Biden administration previously pledging to reduce reliance on private prisons, Trump’s reported lobbying raises questions about the future of detention policies. Will corporate interests continue to shape immigration enforcement, or will reforms take precedence?
