Texans Cornyn, Cuellar Among Top Recipients of Campaign Donations From Private Detention Company PAC

WASHINGTON — With private migrant detention facilities under a microscope and a rife topic in the presidential election, an examination of campaign records shows that two Texas lawmakers are among the top recipients of donations from the controversial industry.The GEO Group’s PAC has given $10,000 to Sen. John Cornyn and $14,700 to Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, so far this election cycle. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, received $5,000.GEO is one of the biggest players in the for-profit prison industry, with 69 correctional and detention facilities in the United States with about 75,000 beds. In Texas, Florida-based GEO operates detention centers for ICE in Conroe, Karnes City, Laredo, Pearsall and Robstown. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has contracts with GEO and other companies to run detention centers for asylum seekers and migrants caught crossing the border without authorization.Cornyn, a three-term senator, is up for reelection in 2020. Cuellar, an eight-term moderate who has easily secured reelection for years, is being targeted by the left in next year’s Democratic primary. Both already face progressive challengers who have castigated their willingness to take donations from the for-profit detention industry.  Continue reading...