$45 Billion Detention Plan Draws Scrutiny as GEO Group, CoreCivic Eye Massive Profits and Expanded Influence
San Diego, CA | The private prison industry is poised for a major windfall following President Donald Trump’s signing of a $45 billion federal budget package that dramatically expands immigration detention capacity. The funding, outlined in what the White House calls the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” is intended to support what the administration describes as the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history — and private prison corporations are positioned to reap the benefits.
The funding represents a long-anticipated victory for firms like GEO Group and CoreCivic, two of the nation’s largest private prison operators. Both companies spent years cultivating close ties with Trump’s political circle through campaign donations, lobbying contracts, and job offers to former administration officials. These efforts now appear to be paying off.
Executives from the two companies had already begun preparing to reactivate dormant facilities and expand capacity before the bill passed. On investor calls, they expressed confidence that Trump’s immigration platform would deliver substantial new revenue opportunities. GEO Group has estimated the new budget could help fill 18,000 detention beds, equating to roughly $400 million in annual revenue. CoreCivic has similarly pitched plans to house an additional 28,000 detainees.
Federal records show that during the 2024 election cycle, over 90% of political contributions from GEO Group and CoreCivic PACs and employees went to Republicans, including maximum donations to Trump’s campaign. Both companies also gave $500,000 to his 2025 inaugural committee.