April 10, 2013. Protests move to Geo Group corporate headquarters
UPDATED: Story by Scott T. Smith and Josh Repp
Video at CBS12 News
BOCA RATON, Fla. — A group of protesters who blocked the entrance to the offices of private prison company GEO Group were arrested Tuesday morning.
So far, four people have been arrested on trespassing and resisting arrest charges after police used bolt cutters to remove handcuffs linking the four to the company’s front door. The arrests ended the protest.
More than a dozen protesters were pushed off the property by police. Members of the group — Trans and WomYns Action Camp — say they were protesting alleged human rights abuses in GEO facilities nationwide.
Northwest 53rd Street was shut down as police and fire responded to the scene in large numbers. At least a dozen officers and the mobile command center were in place.
GEO Group runs state prisons and prison facilities for profit. Most of its operations are in Texas.
GEO Group’s operations mostly flew under the radar until the company proposed a $6 million donation to Florida Atlantic University’s sports program. In return the university announced it was naming its new stadium after the company.
A group of students and the FAU Faculty Senate strongly opposed the move, saying it was a bad fit for a university. GEO Group withdrew its offer last week amid the controversy, but committed $500,000 to athletic scholarships this year.