Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Against Citizens Bank Over Ties to ICE Contractors
4/24/2026, 4:22:22 AM
Overview of the Protests
On April 23, 2026, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Citizens Bank's annual shareholders' meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, to protest the bank's financial relationships with private prison corporations, specifically CoreCivic and The GEO Group, which operate facilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition, a collective of various organizations, is demanding that Citizens Bank sever its ties with these companies, which have been criticized for their roles in the detention of immigrants.
Financial Ties to ICE Contractors
The De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition claims that Citizens Bank has provided over $2.5 billion in financing to The GEO Group and CoreCivic, including a notable $100 million in January 2026 alone. Approximately 70,000 individuals in ICE detention facilities are housed in facilities operated by these companies. The coalition has urged customers to pressure the bank by contacting executives and considering moving their funds to other financial institutions if demands are not met.
Actions by Key Stakeholders
Among the protestors were members of AFT-RIFT Local 6516, representing unionized workers at Brown University, who announced plans to withdraw nearly $500,000 from Citizens Bank due to its ties with ICE. Michael Ziegler, the union's president, emphasized that the union could not support a bank that finances operations detrimental to its members, many of whom are noncitizens. Additionally, the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, comprising over 60 religious groups, indicated they would withdraw $1 million if their demands were not addressed within a week.
Official Responses and Future Actions
In response to the protests, Citizens Bank CEO Bruce Van Saun agreed to meet with members of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization to discuss their concerns. Rev. Ray Hammond, a member of the organization, stated that they expect a meeting to be arranged within seven days. If not, they plan to withdraw their funds as a form of protest. Julie Craven, a coalition member, expressed determination to continue pressuring the bank until it ends its financial relationships with ICE contractors.
Criticism of Citizens Bank
Critics argue that Citizens Bank's continued financial support for ICE contractors contradicts its stated commitment to social responsibility. Ziegler highlighted the moral implications of the bank's actions, stating, “For us, ICE is a workplace safety issue.” State Representative David Morales also condemned the bank's financing of ICE, calling it shameful and a violation of rights.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the protests have garnered significant attention, Citizens Bank has not publicly commented on the specific demands made by the coalition or the ongoing protests. The bank's spokesperson stated that it does not comment on individual clients or sectors, emphasizing a relationship-based business model grounded in due diligence and compliance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re going to be de-banking from Citizens Bank. We’re pulling out hundreds of thousands of dollars,” — Michael Ziegler, President of AFT-RIFT Local 6516
- “The bank is hoping we’ll get tired and go away. They are wrong.” — Julie Craven, De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition Member
- “If they do not respond to us, we’ll withdraw our first million from the bank and continue to accelerate our pressure,” — Rev. Steve Watson, Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Member
The protests against Citizens Bank reflect growing tensions surrounding financial institutions' roles in immigration enforcement and the ethical implications of their partnerships with private prison companies. The outcome of these demonstrations may influence the bank's future policies and its relationships with ICE contractors.
