Rep Watson Coleman Statement on Ruling to Keep Elizabeth Detention Center Open

"I'm deeply disappointed with the Court's decision. Its reference to the difficulty of ICE to find a replacement facility in the given time ignores the fact that AB 5207 was passed more than 2 years ago. The ruling's statement that AB 5207's effect would result in periods in which facilities would likely sit below capacity is hardly an argument in favor of extending private prison contracts. The goal of private prisons is to maximize profits. Profits should never be given consideration when it comes to the actions of our justice system and their impact on human lives. 

"The use of private prisons erodes the public’s faith in the integrity of American sentencing policy, leaving them to wonder if the impetus for lengthy mandatory minimums, or forcibly detaining immigrants, is an evidence-based solution, or just submission to the will of private companies profiting from those incidences of imprisonment. The horrible conditions at the Elizabeth Detention Center further erode the trust the people have in a fair justice system. 

"I will be appealing to President Biden to fulfill his pledge to end private detention of individuals, a goal of mine since before I ran for Congress."