Trump loyalist Jim Jordan linked to group that received ‘dark money’ from ICE detention contractor
Report finds close ties between the Trump administration and Geo Group, which profits from anti-immigration crackdown
TL;DR
- Jim Jordan's PAC, the American Liberty Foundation, received $250,000 in 'dark money' from Geo Group, a private prison company that operates ICE detention centers.
- The payment occurred shortly after Congress tripled the budget for ICE and immigration enforcement efforts.
- Critics allege that Geo Group, a federal contractor, violated campaign finance laws by making this contribution, which was not properly disclosed.
- Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint with the FEC against Geo Group.
- Conditions at Geo Group's detention facilities have been criticized, with reports of poor living conditions, denial of medical care, and verbal abuse.
- Geo Group's revenue from ICE has significantly increased under the Trump administration, with reported net income rising from $31.9 million in 2014 to $254.3 million last year.
- Despite increased profits, Geo Group faces substantial debt and has recently reopened detention beds previously idled.
- Legal experts state that federal contractors like Geo Group are barred from making political contributions.
- Jim Jordan has a history of supporting Donald Trump and voted in favor of legislation that increased ICE funding.
- Jordan has denied knowledge of sexual abuse by a former colleague during his time as a wrestling coach at Ohio State University.