Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

Migrant detainees entitled to sue U.S. private prison over forced labor

  • Published on
    June 5, 2022
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Prison slavery
Hero Banner

A court has recently ruled that migrant detainees in California can sue the private prison company that operates the detention center they were held in over allegations of forced labor.

Forced labor in immigration detention

Migrants who have committed no crimes but are awaiting the outcome of their immigration hearings are held in prison-like conditions in detention centers run by private prison companies. CoreCivic is one of these companies that has contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In 2017, former detainees at prisons owned by CoreCivic – the largest private prison corporation in the U.S. – launched a class-action lawsuit against the company over work they were forced to carry out on daily basis.

Detainees have reported being forced to clean toilets and kitchens for next to no pay. Former detainees allege being paid up to $1 and if they refused to work, they risked solitary confinement.

ICE’s policies

This goes against ICE’s own policies that state that detainees should not be required to carry out work except for maintaining their personal space. For those choosing to take part in voluntary work programs, they should be paid at least $1 a day.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports:

The suit against CoreCivic claims violations of California laws against forced labor and federal laws against human trafficking, and was filed on behalf of immigrants held in California as early as 2006, and in facilities elsewhere since December 2008.

Upholding a federal judge’s decision in 2020 that allowed the case to proceed as a class action, the appeals court said in a 3-0 ruling Friday that two former detainees had offered evidence that CoreCivic required all inmates to work under rules that appeared to conflict with the personal-housekeeping limits announced by ICE. The court said, however, that CoreCivic could attempt in future proceedings to limit the class action to inmates who were in custody in 2010 or later.

Multiple reports from detainees on conditions amounting to forced labor in detention centers prompted California’s Governor Newsom to authorize legislation in 2019 to phase out the state’s contracts with private prisons by 2028.

Join the campaign calling for an end to slavery and forced labor in the U.S. prison and detention industry.

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sophia Gari Katungo
Sophia Gari Katungo
2 years ago

Slavery and forced labour should end why is the law not taking place this is a shameful act happening in a country # End slavery End forced labour

Richard Martin
Richard Martin
2 years ago

The operation of prisons or any other establishment that confines persons should never be in the hands of a private operator. The concept of making a profit while delivering so called justice is totally obscene.

This week

U.K. immigration system is harming survivors of sexual violence and modern slavery

Britain’s immigration system is a “public mental health concern” according to doctors from Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). Saying the current system is inflicting harm on asylum seekers, the Guardian reports it is likely “re-traumatizing” people already affected by psychological distress. This includes victims of sexual violence and modern slavery.   “Moral and ethical obligation” to protect mental health  Asylum seekers

| Thursday November 7, 2024

Read more