MONTREAL – A Montreal-based security firm, Garterworld, is at the centre of a growing controversy after securing a contract worth up to $700 million USD to operate a 1,500-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centre in Surprise, Arizona. The contract, awarded in March, covers all “wraparound services” including food, medical care, and detainee processing.

Concerns Over Human Rights Record

The deal has drawn criticism from corporate watchdogs in Quebec, who point to Garterworld’s previous involvement with controversial detention facilities and the company’s significant financial backing from the Quebec government. In 2022, Garterworld received a $300 million investment from the province. Critics question the appropriateness of Quebec public funds being used to support a company involved in ICE operations, given concerns about human rights abuses within ICE detention centres.

Garterworld, founded in 1995, has grown to be valued at $14 billion USD with operations worldwide. While the company has not been named as a defendant in lawsuits related to alleged abuses at its facilities, including the notorious “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida, Amnesty International reports detail “inhuman and unsanitary conditions” within that facility. Garterworld maintains that its U.S. subsidiary operates independently and “with respect for human rights, personal dignity, employee safety and rigorous governance.”

Quebec’s economy minister spokesperson stated the financing is not tied to U.S. operations and came with conditions, including maintaining its Montreal headquarters. However, the opposition party, Quebec Solidaire, is calling for Investissement Québec to cut ties with Garterworld, arguing against public funding for companies linked to ICE.

Canada Denies Entry to EU MP

Separately, Canada is facing criticism for refusing entry to Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament. Hassan was scheduled to attend conferences in Montreal focused on Palestinian issues and the rise of the far-right. Her party, La France Insoumise, reports that her electronic travel authorization was initially approved but later revoked, allegedly due to her previous denial of entry into Israel and her pro-Palestinian stance.

Advocacy groups argue that denying entry based on political views is a troubling precedent. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, however, welcomed Canada’s decision. The Canada Border Services Agency has declined to provide details, citing privacy concerns. Hassan will now participate in the conferences virtually.