Pakistan has decided to close its border crossings with Iran indefinitely amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The move comes as a response to the intense strikes and threats of further attacks between the two countries. All border facilities in five districts - Chaghi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar - have been suspended, according to provincial officials in Balochistan.
No-bid contracts with politically connected companies have become essential for the Trump administration's efforts to increase space for holding immigrants for deportation. ICE's actions have pleased industry analysts during company earnings calls, promising higher profits but also facing criticism. Skeptical city officials have raised concerns, arguing that CoreCivic requires a special use permit.
Leavenworth, Kansas, known for its federal penitentiary that once housed notorious gangsters, is now set to detain migrants swept up in President Trump's mass deportation plans. The federal government has partnered with private prison firm CoreCivic Corp. to reopen a 1,033-bed prison in Leavenworth, part of ICE's surge of no-bid contracts to address the need for more detention beds.
- ICE has cited a "compelling urgency" for additional detention beds, leading to increased profit estimates for private companies like CoreCivic and The Geo Group Inc.
- Leavenworth filed a lawsuit against CoreCivic for attempting to reopen without city officials' approval, highlighting the resistance faced by the Trump administration's deportation tactics.
- ICE has modified existing agreements with contractors and used no-bid contracts to secure more detention beds, with the House approving $45 billion for immigrant detention over four years.
As ICE moves quickly to increase detention capacity, private prison executives are forecasting significant profits. CoreCivic's stock price has risen by 56% since Trump's reelection, while Geo's has increased by 73%. The use of letter contracts by ICE to expedite reopening facilities has drawn criticism from experts, who warn of potential long-term risks.
Source: Arab News
