Do you bank with Citizens? Are you aware that their parent company, Citizens Financial Group, finances the for-profit prison companies that build and operate ICE detention centers: CoreCivic and The Geo Group? As a customer, you are indirectly funding ICE and its abusive behavior. Is this how you want your money used?
Citizens has fine people working at their local branches. Citizens Bank does provide banking services to consumers, it invests in community projects, and strives to make a positive climate impact.
However, while most major banks have ended their relationships with CoreCivic and The Geo Group prison industry, Citizens Bank has strengthened its ties. They are funding cruelty. According to The Swiss Observer (March 15, 2026), “The GEO Group and CoreCivic are not merely logistical companies; they are the iron fist of U.S. immigration policy. GEO Group and CoreCivic are not standard corporate entities; they operate in the darkest corners of the U.S. justice system. For years, they have faced severe accusations of human rights violations, ranging from forcing detainees to work without pay to restricting access to legal counsel and limiting family visits. GEO Group even provides “skip tracing” services to hunt down individuals for deportation.
Citizens Bank must end their support of the for-profit prison business. Compromising ethics is an antithesis to customer support or good business. Will Citizens end its relationships with these ICE prison operators when it recognizes its carefully built reputation is on the line?
That’s where customers come in. Join a stand out at Citizens. Be public with your disapproval. If you currently bank with Citizens, let them know you’re leaving — and why. Choose, instead, a local/community bank that is not affiliated with CoreCivic or GEO. Profit and greed should never outweigh compassion, civility and kindness.
We can make a difference. Encourage Citizens to do the right thing.
Joan Vohl Hamilton
South Hadley