Understanding Your Rights After Detention in CoreCivic Facilities in the U.S.
Your Rights After Detention in CoreCivic Facilities
If you have been detained under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a facility operated by CoreCivic, you should pay close attention to this article. A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against CoreCivic, Inc., which may impact your legal rights and options.
Overview of the Class Action Lawsuit
The case, identified as Owino, et. al. v. CoreCivic, Inc., No. 317-cv-01112-JLS-NLS (S.D. Cal.), addresses allegations that CoreCivic violated the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) by coercing detained individuals to perform excessive cleaning duties beyond their personal space. Detained individuals reportedly faced threats if they refused to comply.
Cleaning Requirements and Legal Violations
Accusations in the lawsuit detail that detained individuals were obliged to clean common areas including restrooms, recreational spaces, the cafeteria, and more without proper compensation. Specifically, for those housed in California, CoreCivic has also been accused of breaching the California Trafficking Victims Protection Act (CATVPA).
If you participated in the Voluntary Work Program in California, CoreCivic allegedly failed to pay you the lawful minimum wage, provide wage statements, and timely pay wages upon termination, violating state laws.
Class Members Defined
You are potentially a class member if you fall under one of the following categories:
1. National Forced Labor Group: If detained at a CoreCivic facility from December 23, 2008, to the present, and were compelled to clean areas outside of your designated space under threat.
2. California Forced Labor Group: If detained in California CoreCivic facilities from January 1, 2006, to the present, under similar conditions.
3. California Labor Law Class: If you participated in the Voluntary Work Program in these facilities between May 31, 2013, and the present.
What to Expect as a Class Member
To automatically join the class action, you do not need to take any action. If you do nothing, you will be represented by class representatives and their legal counsel. It will be essential to adhere to any court decisions whether favorable or not, as they will bind you.
Should a settlement be reached, you will be informed about what steps to take next. Be aware that your compensation could be reduced by legal fees or other costs associated with the lawsuit. Opting not to participate means you retain the right to file your own claims.
Excluding Yourself from the Class
If you elect not to be part of the class action, you must submit a request for exclusion by March 26, 2025. Instructions and information are available at coreciviclaborclassaction.com. Excluding yourself allows you to pursue claims independently.
Conclusion
This class action lawsuit offers a critical opportunity for those detained at CoreCivic facilities to seek justice and compensation for alleged rights violations. It is advisable for affected individuals to stay informed and understand their legal rights under these circumstances. You can find more details about the lawsuit at the official website or by contacting class counsel directly.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.