$20 tampons and coffee that costs twice as much: ICE detainees say commissary prices are out of control

If something costs too much at one store, most of us can shop somewhere else. But for people held in immigration detention, there often isn’t another option.

That’s what’s driving a boycott at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities in California, where advocates say detainees are paying steep markups for everyday essentials sold through on-site commissaries.

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For example, a container of instant coffee costs $18.80 (1) at the commissary, compared with $9.42 at Walmart. A box of tampons sells for more than $20 — about a 33% markup from what regular retailers charge.

Now, detainees at the California City Detention Facility, about 80 miles east of Bakersfield, and the Golden State Annex in McFarland are refusing to buy items, saying the rising cost of necessities has become too much to bear.

Why they’re protesting

Advocates with the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (2) say more than 300 detainees have signed grievance letters protesting commissary prices at the two facilities, which are run by private prison companies CoreCivic and GEO Group.

While ICE provides three meals a day and basic hygiene items, detainees told the newspaper they often rely on commissaries for additional food, toiletries and other everyday essentials. They say recent price increases have made those purchases increasingly difficult to afford.

One of those detainees is 52-year-old Alfredo Parada Calderon, whose family sends him about $100 each month to buy coffee, snacks, soup, soap, shampoo and deodorant. After noticing prices had increased, he said he asked an ICE officer why.

The response, he told the Times, was vague.

“They’re blaming it on inflation,” Parada Calderon said (3). “It’s a horrible enough place to be in, and you guys are making it even more horrible, not just for me but for my family.

“The detainees want to be heard, and this is the only option we actually have — a peaceful protest.”

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What the companies say

The boycott comes as the Trump administration expands immigration enforcement (4) and detention across the country. One of the facilities involved in the boycott, the California City Detention Facility, has also faced legal scrutiny over detainee conditions. Earlier this year, a federal judge appointed an independent monitor after detainees alleged inadequate medical care (5) and other deficiencies.

As criticism over commissary prices grows, both companies say detainees receive meals and basic necessities at no cost and maintain that purchases from the commissary are optional.

GEO Group, the company that operates the Golden State Annex, told Moneywise that commissary services are provided by a third-party vendor.

“GEO does not profit from commissary sales,” the spokesperson said. “A portion of the proceeds goes directly into a detainee welfare fund that benefits the detainees in our care.”

CoreCivic said commissary purchases at the California City Detention Facility are optional because detainees receive three meals a day and necessities at no cost.

“It is inaccurate to make comparisons of commissary pricing with large retail or discount stores,” Ryan Gustin, CoreCivic’s Senior Director of Public Affairs, said in a statement to Moneywise. “Commissary purchasing is optional, and the pricing structure is more aligned to convenience stores, similar to those found attached to gas stations or pharmacies.”

Gustin added that the California City facility has not yet completed its first pricing assessment because it has been operating for less than a year. He said the company recently lowered the price of most commissary items and works with its vendor and government partners to keep pricing reasonable.

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Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.

The Washington Post (1); Ccijustice (2); Los Angeles Times (3); Reuters (4); Associated Press (5)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.