The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently updated its national detention policies to protect private contractors like GEO Group from labor lawsuits and local regulations, according to reports. These new rules explicitly state that detainees held in ICE facilities are not employees of the detention centers, effectively eliminating detainees' rights to wages and benefits under labor laws.

Previously, detainees were entitled to at least a minimum daily wage, but the revised guidelines remove this requirement and exempt contractors from complying with state and local regulations on detainee treatment. The policy shift follows a lobbying campaign by GEO Group, which currently faces lawsuits in three states alleging violations of minimum wage laws.

The changes have drawn criticism from advocates and lawmakers who argue that the new rules undermine detainees' basic rights. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the revisions, stating that ICE consulted with facility operators during the process but excluded human rights groups and labor unions from discussions.

Notably, former ICE officials Tom Homan and David Venturella, now affiliated with GEO Group, highlight the close ties between the agency and the contractor. GEO Group and its subsidiary have also contributed millions to political committees aligned with former President Donald Trump. The new ICE rules are under scrutiny by congressional committees considering their legal and ethical implications.