Story perspectives

California, GEO Group Settle $104K Over $1-Day Detainee Labor

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

California and GEO Group settled, classifying ICE detainees as workers, paying $104,510 and gear.
The $1-a-day voluntary work program for ICE detainees stays despite lawsuits in California, Washington, Colorado.
Former detainee José Luis said he cleaned for a dollar and suffered a fungal infection.
Immigrant-rights groups say the wage is far below California’s $16.90 minimum while Cal/OSHA found six violations at the Golden State Annex, including mold exposure.

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Story summary

California and GEO Group settled, classifying ICE detainees as workers, paying $104,510 and gear.
The $1-a-day voluntary work program for ICE detainees stays despite lawsuits in California, Washington, Colorado.
Former detainee José Luis said he cleaned for a dollar and suffered a fungal infection.
Immigrant-rights groups say the wage is far below California’s $16.90 minimum while Cal/OSHA found six violations at the Golden State Annex, including mold exposure.