Summary
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is under scrutiny for paying detainees $1 per day for voluntary work at detention facilities. Human rights groups have criticized this policy, claiming it's exploitative. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case related to whether detainees should be paid more under state wage laws.
Key Facts
- ICE offers detainees voluntary work at detention facilities for $1 per day.
- Detainees can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week under ICE policy.
- Human rights groups argue this pay system is exploitative and degrading.
- ICE classifies detainees as volunteers, not employees, which exempts them from federal minimum wage laws.
- Some legal cases have led to higher wage compensation for detainees in privately-run centers.
- A significant legal case involving this policy is set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
- The case involves a private prison company facing a lawsuit alleging detainees worked for $1 a day in Colorado.
- A previous court ruling in Washington State awarded $17.3 million in backpay to over 10,000 detainees.
