Detention-center firms pour millions into Republican candidates ahead of 2026 midterms

Federal Election Commission filings reveal that firms receiving lucrative ICE contracts are channeling large sums into Republican campaigns for the 2026 midterms. The GEO Group, which reported record revenue after the Trump administration reopened closed detention centers, donated $4.4 million to MAGA Inc. via its subsidiary GEO Reentry Services LLC and $1.3 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund. CoreCivic’s PAC has also contributed the $10,000 legal limit to Rep. Andrew Garbarino, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, as well as to senators Susan Collins and Ashley Moody, who sit on key appropriations and security panels.

Brendan Fischer of the Campaign Legal Center warned that the practice of using subsidiaries to bypass contribution bans creates a “problematic loophole.” Both companies argue their political engagement is aimed at educating policymakers about their services.