Donald Trump is making waves again with his plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. He’s serious about tackling border security. This was a cornerstone of his 2016 campaign, and he’s doubling down for 2024. But behind this promise, there’s another story: the private prison industry is gearing up for a massive payday.
NBC News reports that private prison companies like Geo Group and CoreCivic see a “sea change” coming. Their stocks are already rising. On earnings calls, executives are calling Trump’s plan a unique opportunity. Geo Group’s founder George Zoley said, “The Geo Group was built for this unique moment in our history and the opportunities that it will bring.”
These companies know the drill. Under Trump’s first term, private detention facilities housed record numbers of immigrants. Now, with Trump naming Tom Homan—his hardline former ICE director—as “border czar,” private prisons expect to cash in again.
John Sandweg, a former acting ICE director, explained how this works: “Private contractors are going to make billions, legitimate billions off this.” The logistics of detaining millions mean contracts for building facilities, staffing, and services—all handled by private companies.
But it’s not just about money. Trump’s plan has sparked political and moral debates. Democrats argue these mass deportations are inhumane and impractical. Marsha Espinoza, a former DHS assistant secretary, says the scale of these plans is staggering. “It takes planes, agents, resources—all of which are limited. And you can’t deport people to countries that won’t accept them,” she pointed out on NBC.
She also highlighted the human cost. Deportation policies under Trump previously led to family separations and harsh detention conditions. Critics worry these measures will return, escalating tensions and further polarizing the immigration debate.
Some Democrats argue that private prisons profit from misery. ACLU attorney Eunice Cho told ABC, “The true cost will be borne by people locked up in dangerous, deadly, and inhumane detention centers.”
On the flip side, Homan defends private prisons. In his 2020 book Defend the Border and Save Lives, he wrote, “Private facilities provide higher quality at a lower cost than government-run centers.” He sees them as essential for managing mass detention needs.
For Democrats, the stakes are high. They’ve consistently opposed private detention centers, urging community-based alternatives. But Trump’s return to the White House could undo years of Biden’s reforms. And there’s no doubt Trump views his re-election as a mandate.
Trump isn’t just targeting illegal immigrants. His administration has floated plans to overhaul government agencies to ensure loyalty to his agenda. That includes mass layoffs of federal employees who oppose his policies. Critics call it authoritarian, but Trump’s supporters see it as draining the swamp.
This fight isn’t just about immigration; it’s about who controls the narrative. Democrats, the media, and bureaucrats often downplay concerns about illegal immigration. Yet Trump’s focus on border security earned him over 74 million votes in 2020 and in 2024. Millions of Americans clearly care.
But as Espinoza warned, “It’s a lot harder than it seems.” Deporting millions requires massive resources, international cooperation, and public support. Without those, even Trump’s most loyal allies admit it’ll be a tough sell.
Still, private prison companies aren’t waiting. They’re expanding now, betting big on Trump’s promise. For them, the stakes are high—but the profits could be higher.
This battle over immigration policy, human rights, and economic incentives is just beginning. Trump’s plan might bring his base to the polls, but it also puts the spotlight on the Democrats’ reluctance to deport. They’re invested in opposing mass deportations, citing humanitarian concerns and political strategy.
As 2024 unfolds, one thing is clear: America’s border debate isn’t cooling down—it’s heating up.