For-profit prison companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group aren't just benefiting from federal immigration policies. They also rely heavily on contracts with state and local governments across the country, even in areas where Democratic leaders hold power. These contracts, often overlooked in the national debate about immigration detention, provide a significant and stable revenue stream for these companies, ensuring their continued operation and profitability.

While much attention is focused on the role these companies play in managing federal immigration detention centers, a substantial portion of their income derives from housing state and local inmates. This means that even if federal policies shift, these companies retain a strong foothold in the corrections system thanks to these agreements. These contracts can include housing inmates from overcrowded state prisons, managing county jails, or providing specialized facilities for specific populations, such as juvenile offenders.

The dependence of these for-profit prisons on state and local contracts raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and the incentives inherent in a system where incarceration is a source of profit. Critics argue that these companies have a vested interest in maintaining high incarceration rates, which can lead to lobbying efforts for stricter sentencing laws and resistance to criminal justice reform initiatives. The American Prospect first reported that these companies profit from Trump's immigration policies, but also receive lucrative contracts from state and local governments.

The presence of these private facilities also raises concerns about the quality of care and conditions within them. Reports have surfaced alleging inadequate staffing, substandard medical care, and higher rates of violence compared to publicly run facilities. Detractors argue that the drive for profit can lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise the safety and well-being of inmates and staff.

The continued reliance on state and local contracts underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of the for-profit prison industry. It highlights the need for increased scrutiny of these agreements and a broader discussion about the ethical implications of profiting from incarceration at all levels of government. The CoreCivic West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, Tennessee, exemplifies this reliance, standing as a physical representation of the intersection between private enterprise and public corrections.