Rhode Island Community Protests Citizens Bank's Alleged Ties to Private Prison Firms

Protesters demand bank cut ties with companies operating ICE detention centers

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Approximately 50 community members gathered in front of Citizens Bank in Providence, Rhode Island to protest the company's alleged financial ties with the two largest private prison organizations in the United States, CoreCivic and the GEO Group, which have helped operate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The rally was organized by Brown Rise Up, De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition and other local activist groups, with similar protests planned across the Northeast.

Why it matters

The protest highlights growing concerns about the role of private companies in the U.S. immigration detention system and the calls for banks and other corporations to cut ties with these organizations. As a major Rhode Island-based bank, Citizens Bank's alleged connections to the private prison industry have drawn significant local scrutiny and activism.

The details

The protesters demanded that Citizens Bank end its financial relationships with CoreCivic and the GEO Group, the two largest private prison companies that have operated ICE detention centers. Organizers said the bank's support for these companies is 'exactly the opposite' of its stated commitment to social responsibility. Protesters urged Citizens Bank customers to close their accounts and move their money to other banks as a way to pressure the company.

  • The protest occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Rhode Island De-ICE coalition held its first protest against Citizens Bank in January 2026.

The players

Brown Rise Up

A student activist group at Brown University that helped organize the protest.

De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition

A coalition of local activist groups that organized the protest against Citizens Bank.

CoreCivic

One of the two largest private prison companies in the United States, which has operated ICE detention centers.

GEO Group

One of the two largest private prison companies in the United States, which has operated ICE detention centers.

Citizens Bank

A major Rhode Island-based bank that the protesters allege has financial ties to CoreCivic and the GEO Group.

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What they’re saying

“ICE doesn't operate in isolation. These private prison companies that Citizens Bank finances are key parts of the deportation industry.”

— Raya Gupta, Brown Rise Up member and Herald opinions contributor (The Brown Daily Herald)

“Citizens Bank says it is dedicated to fostering strong communities and social responsibility, but its long-standing support to prison companies and ICE detention centers is exactly the opposite.”

— Peyton Fleming, Spokesperson, De-ICE Citizens Bank Coalition (The Brown Daily Herald)

“Our money should never be used to put human beings in cages.”

— Michaela Keegan, Organizer, Indivisible Metro Rhode Island (The Brown Daily Herald)

What’s next

The protesters urged Citizens Bank customers to close their accounts and move their money to other banks as a way to pressure the company to cut ties with the private prison industry. The Rhode Island De-ICE coalition plans to continue protesting at Citizens Bank branches across the state.

The takeaway

This protest reflects the growing grassroots movement demanding that corporations, including banks, end their financial relationships with private prison companies that operate immigration detention centers. The activists' efforts highlight the power of community organizing to hold local institutions accountable and push for change on national issues.