Readout of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement meeting with private detention contractor CoreCivic

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Chief of Staff Michael Lumpkin met with CoreCivic leadership today to discuss detained noncitizens’ needs and reaffirm the shared responsibility of appropriate care for those in custody. Despite its evolving mission, budgetary constraints and competing priorities, ICE is firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards in detained noncitizen care.

ICE detention is not punitive. However, the agency is bound by law to detain people who pose public safety or national security threats and those who otherwise require detention. It is also required to remove these individuals to their home countries. ICE’s ability to detain people is directly dependent on detention space availability.

Modernization is part of the agency’s commitment appropriate, cost-effective care while maintaining a high operational tempo in other critical areas, such as enforcement of immigration laws enacted by Congress.

To ensure transparency and preserve the American public’s trust, ICE engages with stakeholders nationwide, including state, local, tribal and territorial governments, elected officials, and law enforcement professionals. Agency representatives also meet with private-sector entities, faith-based and activism-based organizations, and colleges and universities to help dispel myths and ensure future decisions that fall under ICE’s purview are fact-based and data-driven, humane and effective.