The Supreme Court has ruled against the GEO Group, a private prison company, in a lawsuit alleging that immigration detainees were forced to work for just $1 per day. The unanimous decision, issued on Wednesday, represents a procedural setback for the firm but does not conclude the ongoing legal battle that began in 2014.
The lawsuit, originating in Aurora, Colorado, claims that detainees were compelled to perform unpaid janitorial work and other menial tasks to supplement inadequate meals. The GEO Group has argued that it should be immune from such lawsuits as a government contractor.
After a lower court ruled against the company, the GEO Group sought to have the Supreme Court permit a swift appeal. The justices declined this request, leaving the lower court’s decision intact.
Background on GEO Group and Legal Challenges
Based in Florida, the GEO Group is one of the largest private detention providers in the United States, managing approximately 77,000 beds across 98 facilities. The company’s operations include a federal immigration detention center, which has been a focal point for protests, including that of Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka in May 2025. Baraka was arrested during a demonstration against the treatment of detainees at the facility, although the charges against him were later dropped.
The legal landscape surrounding private detention facilities has become increasingly complex, with similar lawsuits emerging across the country. For instance, a case in Washington state resulted in the GEO Group being ordered to pay over $23 million in damages related to similar allegations.
This latest ruling signals continued scrutiny of private prison practices, particularly concerning the treatment and rights of immigration detainees. As the case unfolds, the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision may influence future cases against private detention facilities and their operational standards.
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