Did the ACLU sue CCA to obtain information about immigration detainees?
No. At least one media outlet erroneously reported that ACLU had to sue to obtain information about detainees in private detention facilities. In fact, the ACLU has sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that DHS has not released private medical information about its detainees. In contrast to the ACLU’s allegations, most coverage regarding the care of immigration detainees is based on information obtained both from DHS and from private providers. In one of many notable examples, the New York Times posted images from internal private detention reports produced subject to a FOIA request in a video on the Times website. CCA supports DHS’s efforts to protect the privacy and dignity of detainees in its care, and awaits DHS’ defense of these claims. When CCA settles or loses a lawsuit, do taxpayers bear the financial burden? No. This fact is one of the key advantages of prison and detention privatization, but even notable criminal justice scholars like Michelle Deitch of th
