Resisting ICE: An Update from the Border and Migration Justice Subcommittee

The prison-industrial complex has claimed another life. The Intercept reported on the first death in ICE custody in the Northeast this year. Chaofeng Ge, 32, a detainee from China, reportedly hung himself at the Moshannon Valley Detention Center, the largest ICE facility in the region. ICE picked up Ge in New York State. The Moshannon facility has had numerous complaints against it, including the inability to communicate with guards, the amount of time deportees must wait in confinement until a flight to China is full (sometimes up to six months), the use of solitary confinement, and the denial of medical services.
Nationally, human rights organizations have called for the closure of Moshannon and all for-profit prisons and the release of all detainees.
ICE Facilities as Money Makers
More than 90 percent of the people held in ICE detention are housed in private facilities. The largest two prison-owning companies are CoreCivic (previously CCA) and GEO Group.
The Moshannon facility, owned by the county, contracts with GEO Group, which is paid $3.5 million monthly for its 1,800 beds. Overall, GEO Group has 21 facilities with over 20,000 beds.
These contracts are long-standing—in GEO’s case, for over 40 years. The financial connection between the government and these companies is evident in individuals like Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was a former GEO Group lobbyist.
State-Owned ICE Detention Centers
States are also cashing in on providing beds for detainees. For example, the Indiana Department of Corrections will provide 1,000 beds. When DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the partnership, she called it the Speedway Slammer, and the department released a post showing an IndyCar in front of a prison-like building. The car had “ICE” printed on it, along with the number five. The only IndyCar driver of Mexican descent, Patricio “Pato” O’Ward, drives a car with the number five.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway distanced itself from the name and asked that it not be used in the future. Although Kristi Noem claims that these detention facilities will house the “worst of the worst,” local reporting has suggested that as many as 70% of detainees have no criminal record.
Fighting Back Against ICE
The Intercept reported that ICE agents have turned to disguising themselves as construction workers in the Los Angeles area. Last week, members of the Greater Danbury Area United for Immigrants drove around looking for ICE activity. They spotted some agents dressed up as construction workers and sounded the alarm. When confronted, the faux construction workers refused to identify themselves. SUVs with tinted windows surrounded the volunteer ICE spotter’s car. Men inside the SUVs warned the driver, “More of my guys are coming—we’re going to take care of you.” This kind of intimidation is reminiscent of the death squads and paramilitaries in Latin America.
People being arrested are looking for work, not committing a crime. The court has ruled that you can arrest someone based solely on their appearance or where they are standing.
Private citizens are standing up for their neighbors and friends. They need our help. Explore this list of organizations advocating for the human rights of immigrants.
Join the Border and Migration Justice monthly meetings to share what is happening in your community and learn how WILPF members can fight back against these racist policies. The group meets on the third Sunday of each month. To get the Zoom link, please request to be on the Advancing Human Rights Committee’s listserv by contacting Adrián at adrian_bernal_2001@yahoo.com.