Supreme Court rules against private prison firm facing forced-work suit from immigration detainees - AP News
AP News
February 25, 2026
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), a private prison firm, in a landmark case involving allegations of forced labor from immigration detainees. The justices voted 7-2 to overturn a lower court decision that had shielded CCA and other private detention companies from legal accountability. This decision paves the way for lawsuits against entities contracted by the federal government to house immigrants, potentially leading to increased scrutiny on their operations and conditions.
The case centered on whether private prison operators could be held liable under the 13th Amendment’s prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude. Detainees from a CCA-run facility in Mississippi claimed they were forced to work without proper pay or legal authorization. The ruling reaffirms that private entities, even when contracted by the government, are not immune from legal challenges related to human rights violations.
This decision has significant implications for both the private prison industry and immigration policy. It could lead to more transparency and accountability in detention facilities, addressing concerns about labor practices and treatment of detainees. Advocacy groups lauded the ruling as a step toward ensuring that forced labor is not condoned within U.S. borders, even in government-contracted facilities.
The case also highlights ongoing debates over the role of private companies in managing immigration detention. Critics argue that profit motives can compromise the rights of those detained, making independent legal challenges crucial for safeguarding human rights. This ruling sets a precedent, encouraging similar lawsuits and potentially influencing future policies on labor practices in detention centers.
For readers interested in news, this case matters as it underscores the intersection
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Originally published on AP News on 2/25/2026