Over 70 percent of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration detention system is operated by private prison companies, most notoriously, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and The Geo Group Inc (GEO). Both companies have well-documented track records of abuse, neglect and death within their facilities all while lining the pockets of their shareholders.
Members of the Communities Not Cages Campaign in California and Michigan are fighting back with new legislation and the call to divest from private prisons. While DWN member, Juntos, is fighting detention expansion in Pennsylvania. Learn more and support their critical work that lays out a roadmap to end the United States’ shameful reliance on incarceration as a profit-driven industry.
Ban Private Prisons: AB 32 in California
Leading this work: Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ), Immigrant Legal Resource Center, California Immigrant Youth Alliance (CIYJA)
On the heels of HB2040 in Illinois, California’s AB32, builds momentum towards dismantling the profit motives that are deeply intertwined with mass incarceration and immigration detention. The groundbreaking legislation will ban the use of private prisons in California starting in the New Year with a complete phase out of their use by 2028. What’s next? The bill is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature to go into effect.
What groups need: Call and tweet at the governor to ensure he signs asap!
- Tweet at Governor Newsom to sign AB32 and support the liberation of ALL individuals using @gavinnewsom, @cagovernor, #SignAB32, #CommunityNotCages
- Share Raul’s story highlighting the need for alternatives to incarceration!
- Make a call to (916) 445-2841
- Script: “Hello, my name is ____. I am calling to urge Governor Newsom to sign AB32. California needs to take a bold stance AGAINST abusive, for-profit companies that target people of color and immigrant communities.”
More info: Follow CIYJA and ICIJ on Facebook and Instagram.
Divest from Private Prisons: Prudential Financial and Geo Group In Michigan
Leading this work: No Detention Centers Michigan (NDCM)
This October, GEO Group, one of the largest private prison companies in the country, is opening an immigrant prison in Baldwin, Michigan. One of GEO Group’s largest investors is Prudential Financial, an insurance and investment company that has offices around the state of Michigan and nationwide. Prudential needs to fall in line with other banks like JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America and divest from toxic private prison companies now.
What’s next? Between September 23 – 30, show up at your nearest Prudential financial branch with your friends and family and demand that Prudential, one of the largest investors in Geo Group, divest from the private prison company.
What NDCM needs: Follow their page, amplify their actions and coordinate your own at the local Prudential branch in your town. Reach out to NDCM for more info!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/761242347647101
Support the Fight to Stop the Opening of a New Child Detention Center in Pennsylvania
Leading this work: Juntos
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is planning on opening a children’s detention center in Devon, PA. The practice of locking up migrants seeking a better life is a multi-million dollar industry in the U.S. Last year, the
for-profit company VisionQuest announced plans to open a $5.3 million youth detention facility in the heart of North Philadelphia.
Now, with a $14 million contract on the line, Devereux plans to open a youth detention center in Devon, PA. We must continue our opposition to detaining immigrant children in Pennsylvania and across the country.
What Juntos needs: Sign the petition urging the Board of Supervisors of Easttown Township to Deny Devereux’s Plan
What’s next: Follow Juntos (Facebook & Instagram) to amplify their fight and stay up to date on next steps
Prison Industry Divestment Movement 