May 13, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Day 1 Alliance released the following statement by National Spokesperson Alexandra Wilkes on House Judiciary Committee Democrats’ “Roundtable on ICE’s Response to COVID-19”:

“The COVID-19 crisis is a serious challenge to all corrections and ICE processing facilities, no matter who operates them – both the public sector and contractors. Today we are all working together – the public and private sectors – to manage through this unprecedented crisis.

“Let’s be clear: Today’s event was not a genuine attempt to find solutions to these serious issues – it was a kangaroo court stacked with activists aimed at advancing a political goal: Abolishing ICE altogether.

“Instead of playing politics, people ought to learn the facts. First, the Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate – it doesn’t care whether a prison or detention facility is operated by a government agency or a private-sector contractor.

“Case in point: It’s been reported that more than 1,200 inmates and corrections staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at New York City’s publicly-run jails, where at least 10 have died from the virus.

“Since the outset of this crisis, contractors have worked closely with local, state, and federal health officials as well as federal and state corrections agencies, and are following the most updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”

ABOUT THE DAY 1 ALLIANCE:

The Day 1 Alliance (D1A) is a trade association representing private sector contractors helping address corrections and detention challenges in the United States. For more than 35 years, D1A members have worked with local, state, and federal governments led by members of both political parties to provide professional, humane, and respectful treatment to incarcerated and detained individuals. From day one, we understand we have a responsibility to provide safe and dignified care to those in our facilities. D1A members do not lobby for or against policies, regulations, or legislation that impact the basis for or duration of an individual’s incarceration or detention.

The founding members of the Day 1 Alliance are CoreCivic, The GEO Group, and Management & Training Corporation. 

Learn more at day1alliance.org and follow us on Twitter @TheDay1Alliance.

Media inquiries:
contact@day1alliance.org

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