Concerns Grow Over Conditions and Practices in Immigration Detention Centers

The GEO Group, a private prison contractor, has faced mounting protests over conditions at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey. Activists have expressed outrage over the treatment of immigrants detained there. Federal immigration officers have used measures like pepper spray and tear gas to manage demonstrators.

Silky Shah, who leads the nonprofit Detention Watch Network, stresses the unseen horrors in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. “People being served rotten food, complete medical neglect, and no support for detainees are not isolated to Delaney Hall,” Shah shared.

What’s happening behind closed doors is that much more horrifying. People being served rotten food. Complete medical neglect. Absolutely no support for people who are inside.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and GEO Group have denied accusations concerning Delaney Hall, labeling them as politically motivated. Yet, lawsuits over inadequate conditions have emerged nationwide. Approximately one-third of detainees are in GEO Group-run facilities.

This situation coincides with David Venturella, a former GEO Group executive, beginning his role as the acting director of ICE, showing close ties between the company and the agency.

Private Prisons and Profits

GEO Group’s reliance on ICE contracts, which comprise about half of its revenue, strengthens its role in the deportation agenda. It operates numerous detention centers across the U.S. and supports electronic monitoring through BI Incorporated.

Lauren-Brooke Eisen from the Brennan Center for Justice highlights the economic interests involved in detaining undocumented immigrants. Following President Trump’s election, GEO Group expanded operations to accommodate more detainees, seeing profits soar by 700% to over $250 million in 2025.

George Zoley, GEO Group’s CEO, indicated further growth is anticipated: Last year was the most successful period for new business wins, and we expect 2026 to be a very active year as well.

Substandard conditions at detention centers, both public and private, are well-documented. Legal experts argue that private prison companies cut costs, affecting detainee care.

Private prisons introduce the profit motive into the equation.

While the GEO Group declined interviews, it stated its facilities are ICE-monitored for compliance and offer medical care, legal and family visits, and proper meals — a claim met with skepticism.

Transparency and Accountability Issues

Private prisons, not subject to public records laws like government facilities, can hinder transparency. Eisen points out that in the event of a detainee’s death, private management complicates information access.

The GEO Group often redirects accountability to ICE; recently, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin refused New Jersey officials’ complete access to Delaney Hall, prompting legal action from the state.

Private prison privatization passes blame between companies and government authorities, which can further complicate oversight. Mullin acknowledged the difference between federal facilities and privatized systems.

Interconnections Between ICE and Private Prisons

The revolving door between ICE and private prison executives is concerning. Venturella’s previous roles at GEO Group and ICE exemplify this interchange. Other DHS officials, such as White House Border Czar Tom Homan, also have ties to GEO Group.

Scott Shuchart, a former ICE assistant director, describes personal links between private prison officials and ICE leadership. He noted, “When GEO comes in for a meeting, it feels like a fraternity reunion.”

Lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have voiced concerns over potential conflicts of interest and have urged leaders like Venturella to recuse from GEO-related matters.

DHS emphasizes that Venturella follows all ethical guidelines, with his extensive experience in law enforcement and immigration policy.

While the private detention network continues to grow with federal funding, oversight offices face personnel cuts. Advocates warn of the severe consequences from expanded detention practices.

Shuchart highlights the stark impacts of the current system, with 2026 already marked as the deadliest year in immigration detention since DHS’s inception.