Thompson urges review of DHS use of privately-operated prisons

U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sent a letter on Friday to Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) John Roth calling for a review of the department’s use of privately-operated prisons.

Thompson’s letter comes after the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it would either terminate or not renew any contracts with private prisons.

“The prisons assessed by the DOJ OIG are operated by three private corporations: Correction Corporation of America (CCA), the GEO Group, and Management and Training Corporation (MTC),” Thompson said. “These three corporations hold contracts with the Department of Homeland Security, the private prison industry’s largest client. As you know DHS relies on privately operated prisons, including three corporations cited by the DOJ OIG report, to detain immigrants.

“Last year, approximately 62 percent of immigration detention beds were operated by private prisons. DHS immigration detention program detains approximately 400,000 people each year. Given the DOJ OIG’s findings, and DHS’ recent decision to enter into a no bid, four year, one billion dollar contract with CCA, it is imperative that you immediately initiate a review to determine whether DHS should reduce its dependence on private prisons.”

Recent OIG reports said that contract prisons incurred more safety and security incidents per capita than comparable institutions within the Bureau of Prisons. Thompson said that it is necessary for DHS to know whether or not large-scale contractual agreements are cost effective and that they maintain security and safety.