Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Against Citizens Bank's Ties to Private Prisons
3/11/2026, 1:57:52 AM
Overview of the Protests
Recent protests have emerged across multiple states against Citizens Bank due to its financial ties with private prison operators, specifically Geo Group Inc. and CoreCivic. These companies manage facilities that detain individuals for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Activists argue that Citizens Bank's funding of these organizations contributes to the expansion of the immigration detention system, which they view as detrimental to immigrant communities.
Key Events and Locations
Protests were organized by various activist groups, including Indivisible Philadelphia and Brown Rise Up, with demonstrations occurring at over 70 Citizens Bank branches nationwide. Notable locations included Philadelphia, Wilmington, and several branches throughout Rhode Island. Protesters voiced their concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the ethical implications of financing private prisons.
Financial Involvement
Citizens Bank has been involved in significant financial transactions with both Geo Group and CoreCivic. In 2024, the bank led a group of lenders in raising $1.3 billion for Geo Group, which operates 82 prisons, including those housing immigration detainees. Additionally, Citizens Bank facilitated a $500 million loan for CoreCivic to manage its debts and corporate expenses. These financial relationships have made Citizens Bank a focal point for activists advocating against the privatization of immigration detention.
Voices from the Protests
Protesters expressed a range of sentiments regarding Citizens Bank's involvement with private prisons. Sam Kuttab, a protester in Wilmington, criticized the targeting of immigrant communities, stating, “If they had stuck to arresting violent criminals, we’d have supported that.” Judi Pasino, a customer of Citizens Bank, indicated her intention to raise the issue with bank staff and consider moving her retirement account.
Raya Gupta, a member of Brown Rise Up, emphasized the connection between Citizens Bank and the deportation industry, stating, “ICE doesn’t operate in isolation.” Other activists encouraged community members to take action by closing their accounts and advocating for change through various channels.
Official Responses
Citizens Bank has refrained from commenting on specific clients but maintains that it conducts business with organizations operating lawfully. A spokesperson for the bank, Peter Lucht, stated, “We do business with organizations that conduct business in a lawful manner, and if we determine that not to be the case, we are prepared to exit those relationships.”
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Citizens Bank argue that its financial ties to private prison operators contradict its stated commitment to community welfare and social responsibility. Activists have pointed to the actions of other major banks, such as JPMorgan Chase and Citibank, which have ceased funding private prison companies in response to similar pressures.
Conclusion and Future Actions
The protests against Citizens Bank reflect a growing movement against the privatization of immigration detention and the broader implications of corporate involvement in the prison system. Activists are calling for continued pressure on the bank to sever its ties with private prison operators, emphasizing that community action can lead to significant change. As the movement gains momentum, further demonstrations and campaigns are expected to continue in the coming months.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My dad’s an immigrant. The president and vice president are married to immigrants,” — Sam Kuttab, Protester
- “We’re really concerned about what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is doing in tearing apart families, and we’re concerned that Citizens is one of the major lenders to companies that run U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers,” — Lisa Jay, Indivisible Spokesperson
- “Our money should never be used to put human beings in cages,” — Michaela Keegan, Activist
- “Money talks, and we’re talking now,” — Jeneane Lunn, Activist
- “It is only through the power of the people that you can win.” — Levi Kim, Brown Rise Up Co-President
