Trump's migrant family separation policy is a growth opportunity for defense contractors

A child separated from parents at the U.S.-Mexico border

(Image credit: John Moore/Getty Images)

last updated 15 June 2018

Many people look at the Trump administration's new policy of forcibly separating kids from their parents when they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally as a gross violation of humanity and decency. Others see a business opportunity — specifically, The Daily Beast reports, intelligence and defense contractors, some of them with a trail of scandals and lawsuits. The Daily Beast notes recent postings for jobs related to housing migrant children by giant defense contractor General Dynamics and MVM Inc., which touts its "extensive domain expertise in counter-narcotics, criminal and civil investigations, public safety, and national security."

"It is mind-blowing that those types of industries would be even considered with respect to the care of children," immigration lawyer Matthew Kolken tells The Daily Beast. "They're not equipped to be able to do it. Would you want your child to be dropped off in their hands? I know I wouldn't." Neil Gordon, an investigator with the Project on Government Oversight, added: "It looks right now that the Trump administration's policies regarding immigration is proving to be a relatively lucrative area for private contractors. ... I'm concerned with these companies' track records."

Joe Arabit, the director of MVM's homeland security and public safety division, told The Daily Beast that the company's "top priority is the welfare of children while they are in our care. We are a trusted partner of ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and ORR [Office of Refugee Resettlement] because of the respect and dedication with which we treat those whom we transport." MVM has earned nearly $43 million since September handling child migrants for ICE and ORR. You can read more about the job postings and scandals at The Daily Beast.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.