Wyatt Facility Contracts (S 295, H 5724)

In 2019, Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls reentered into a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house and detain individuals for civil immigration violations. We were particularly skeptical about this renewed contract because ICE cancelled its contract in 2008, when we successfully settled a suit filed against Wyatt after a civil detainee died in Wyatt's custody after months of abuse and lack of medical care. As such, we supported legislation which would prohibit the state or any municipality from entering into contracts with ICE to house and detain individuals for civil immigration violations. We did argue, however, that the bill be amended to avoid any constitutional concerns in regards to any existing contract with the Wyatt facility.