Kamala Harris’s Strategic Silence on Private Prisons Raises Questions

Harris

Kamala Harris’s silence on private prisons raises questions amid her shift to moderate policies.

At a Glance

  • Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is not confirming whether she would push to close private prisons as president, despite her previous pledges.
  • Harris has previously called for the abolition of private prisons for both citizens and undocumented immigrants.
  • During her 2016 Senate and 2019 presidential campaigns, she stated private prisons were “morally wrong” and should be closed.
  • Harris’ campaign has not responded to inquiries about her current stance on private prisons.

Harris’s Evolving Stance on Private Prisons

Kamala Harris, once a vocal critic of private prisons, has refrained from addressing this issue as she positions herself for a broader voter base. Previously, Harris denounced private prisons as “morally wrong” during her 2016 Senate campaign and vowed their closure. In her 2019 presidential campaign, she emphasized ending the profit motive behind private prisons and called for the abolition of private detention centers for undocumented immigrants.

However, her campaign is currently declining to say whether she would pursue the closure of these facilities as president. This silence comes amid her apparent pivot towards more moderate policy positions—an effort perhaps aimed at consolidating support to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

Campaign’s Non-Response and Public Perception

During her political career, Harris repeatedly called for the abolition of private prisons across federal and state levels. Notably, she criticized private prisons for being a “rotten deal for American taxpayers” and emphasized the need to abolish the profit motive in imprisonment.

“Private prisons are morally wrong, and they’re a rotten deal for American taxpayers.” – Source

Since Harris’s campaign has not responded to recent inquiries about her current stance, this has sparked speculation. Many perceive her shift away from liberal positions on issues like Medicare for All, fracking prohibition, and private prisons as a calculated move designed to appeal to a centrist voter base while distinguishing herself from progressive factions.

Impact of Biden’s Executive Order and Future Implications

President Joe Biden previously issued an executive order to ban private prisons for criminal cases, excluding immigration detention centers. This order had limited success; while many private prison contracts were not renewed, a considerable number of prisoners remain in private facilities. Notably, the ACLU reported that more than 90% of individuals in ICE custody are held in private facilities.

“minimum custody inmates” – Source

The issue of private prisons is significant as Harris attempts to balance her past progressive commitments with a shift towards policies that may attract a broader electorate. The ongoing discussions around private prison scandals, such as the infamous “kids for cash” scandal, underscore the need for clear policy positions and accountability from public officials.

Sources:

  1. Harris silent on private prisons after past calls to close them
  2. Harris silent on private prisons after past calls to close them

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