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Original Date Announced
June 16, 2026ICE published revised 2026 National Detention Standards containing reduced protections for detainees who work inside detention facilities. The new standards state that detainees participating in the Voluntary Work Program are not employees and are "not entitled to wages or benefits under applicable wage laws or labor regulations.” The new standards also no longer state that detainees must be paid at least $1 per day or that contractors have to comply with state or local laws.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2314]
2026.06.16 ICE National Detention StandardsEffective Date
June 16, 2026Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter: DetentionAgencies Affected: ICEAssociated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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New Policy
Original Source:
2026.06.16 ICE National Detention Standards
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Prior Policy
Original Source:
2025 ICE National Detention Standards
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Commentary
2026.06.16 Washington Post - ICE removed detainee protections after private outreach from top contractor
The Washington Post reports that the revisions weakening detainee rights were requested by Geo Group, which oversees more than a dozen detention facilities. Geo Group is currently facing multiple lawsuits over alleged violations of minimum-wage laws. At least one other detention contractor, CoreCivic, was also consulted on the new standards, although it is unclear whether CoreCivic offered input.
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