During his campaign, Joe Biden promised to end the federal use of private prisons, but his record on this matter fell short as he left office. While he terminated the Bureau of Prison's contracts with private prisons, their use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expanded under his administration.
ICE detainees have led to an increase in the number of people in private prisons compared to when Biden took office. This expansion allowed President Donald Trump to quickly increase the use of private prisons to hold undocumented immigrants.
Private prison companies have historically thrived under Republican administrations and faced challenges under Democrats. Despite Biden's order to stop contracting with private prisons, companies found ways to shift federal contracts to immigration detention.
As the number of federal inmates in private prisons decreased, the number of immigrants detained in private prisons under ICE contracts rose significantly. Private prisons have faced allegations of abuse and mistreatment, with ongoing lawsuits and investigations into poor conditions and improper treatment of detainees.
Shareholders in private prison companies expect significant profits, with stock prices soaring under the Trump administration. The use of private prisons for immigration detention has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees, including hunger strikes and allegations of physical and sexual assault.
Private prison companies have defended their facilities, citing oversight and adherence to standards. However, lawsuits and investigations continue to highlight issues of mistreatment and poor conditions in these facilities.
Expanding the use of private prisons by ICE has financial implications, with estimates of billions of dollars needed to detain migrants charged with criminal offenses. The Trump administration's plans for mass deportations and immigration enforcement have faced legal and logistical challenges, making the use of private prisons a key component of their strategy.
The future of private prisons in immigration detention hinges on Congressional funding and support. The cost of expanding detention facilities and beds for migrants raises questions about budget allocations and the role of private prison companies in immigration enforcement.
